Database identifies risky driver behavior

DriveCam Inc. has introduced Risk InfoCenter, a database that the company said will predict risky drivers through actual driving behavior collected across multiple industries and types of vehicles. The data identifies the root causes of accidents through analyzing 10 years of audio and video footage.

DriveCam introduced the InfoCenter along with its first Risky Driving Analysis Perspective, gleaned from Risk InfoCenter analysis, which the company plans to update monthly. The first Perspective analyzes the causes of intersection collisions.

"The area in and around intersections is more prone to crashes because many vehicles are crossing paths at the same time and there often are abrupt changes in speed and direction," said Del Lisk, vp of safety services at DriveCam. 

"Fortunately, analysis of our data of incidents at intersections clearly reveals that drivers can protect themselves simply by remembering and applying fundamental driving skills."

According to the Risk InfoCenter data, more than 75% of intersection collisions could have been easily avoided if drivers followed fundamental driving rules. It concludes that 39% of crashes would have been prevented by looking left-right-left; 11% by looking farther ahead; 10% by stopping for red lights; and 6% by making a complete stop at a stop sign.

"Looking left-right-left, coming to complete stops at red lights and looking before crossing intersections are driving fundamentals that should be part of every driver's skillset, but often these are overlooked because we travel through intersections everyday and nothing bad happens to us. Subconsciously, this is reinforcing our bad habits," added Lisk. "Coaching drivers to be more visually attentive is key to reducing intersection collisions."