DriveCam has an immediate opportunity for a Jr. Manufacturing Test Engineer. This entry level position requires strong programming skills, a high attention to detail, and an understanding of production testing software solutions.

Responsibilities:

• Development and maintenance of production testing software solutions
• Development and maintenance of forward and reverse logistics testing and cellular provisioning solutions
• Contributes to design for manufacturing (DFM) discussions with engineering team
• Troubleshoots test system and product (as it relates to testability) issues
• Provides technical support and assistance to cross-functional teams (technical support, operations, etc.)

Required Technical Skills:

• Object-oriented software design in C#
• Usage of SOAP and RESTful web services; XML
• MS SQL; can create basic queries for highly relational databases
• National Instruments TestStand; can develop test sequences and troubleshoot issues
• Basic IT functions (installing software, troubleshooting network and driver issues, configuring networks/routers)
• Basic hardware design / troubleshooting; can read schematics, analyze circuits, including RF circuitry
• Knowledge of statistical manufacturing methodologies (i.e. Six Sigma)
• Understanding of manufacturing test methodologies vs. design validation testing methodologies
• Understanding of image and analysis algorithms
• Understanding of cellular systems including provisioning processes for both CDMA and GSM systems

Qualification Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or related field
• Solid programming skills in C#
• Production testing experience in a mass-production or high-mix/low-volume environment
• Ability to accurately estimate tasks and deliver on time
• Ability to seek out information and distill testing requirements
• Can perform duties independently and with limited technical direction
• Relentlessly engages challenges and road blocks

Those interested in this position can apply by submitting their resume (in Word format preferred) to jobs@drivecam.com. DriveCam is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

With the current economic downturn and a questionable outlook for recovery in the foreseeable future, companies are looking for value anywhere it can be found and are managing the middle more aggressively  than ever before.  Generally when I write safety articles, I attempt to evoke a sense of responsibility and personal ownership. I try to inspire the reader to “Do The Right Thing” for all the “Right Reasons.” It is about life and taking care of those around you. It is about understanding our responsibility to our employees and the public. However, this article is going to look at safety from a value proposition. For years, the industry viewed the cost of safety as a cost of doing business, but ask any experienced risk or safety manager and they will tell you that the financial ramifications of a poor or reactive safety program are enormous.

The associated costs of an ineffective and poor safety program,  such  as claims cost, insurance increases, loss of productivity, damaged  equipment,  potential  loss of business,  market  impact and the list goes on,  make it all the more compelling for companies  to invest in the value of safety.  It is an investment in the most valuable assets we have, our people and our reputation. There are certainly costs to the development and deployment of an effective risk and behavioral-based safety program,  bur the value and return on the investment  is unmatched in any other aspect of our business.

A Proactive Approach

An increasingly proactive approach to safety can result in a 52 percent reduction in incident rates over a several year period.  This value proposition is culminating in year over year improvement and fostering a culture of safety that is unique to the industry.  Some of the investments made to achieve success include installing event recording technology throughout the fleet to identify risky driving behavior.  This is an instrumental tool to the frontline manager to coach risky behavior and reinforce positive behavior prior to an accident occurring. 

Additionally, defensive driver training which targets intersection, rear collision, backing and rollover type of incidents, can assist in reinforcing the skills needed to successfully operate the vehicles while avoiding these serious and costly vehicle accidents.

Lastly, a  progressive  injury  and  illness  prevention program that educates  employees to the work related  hazards  found  in  the  industry  has  been  very beneficial.  By evaluating necessary movement and the physiological effects to the body and providing tools needed to reduce and eliminate potential exposure, such as container lifts, automated side load systems and difficult stop awareness programs, we have been able to reduce the number and severity of work-related injuries.

Partnerships

Partnerships with organizations within and external to the waste industry are investments that provide great returns on the value of safety. Specifically, education, equipment manufacturing and technology partners can provide resources to identify cause, educate skills and develop remedies to avoid incidents. But the most effective tool remains the proactive personal ownership, commitment and awareness of every employee, led by managers and supervisors who are driven to safety and the goal of zero incidents.

Although it does take a great amount of investment to develop and deploy these proactive risk and behavioral-based safety programs throughout its organization, the return on investment will continue for years to come.

Shawn Mandel is the Director of Safety for Waste Connections, Inc. He is responsible for the development, support and implementation of safety and compliance programs throughout the company.  Shawn has more than 20 years of experience as a safety professional and joined Waste Connections in 2011. Shawn is a member of ANSI Z245 committees’ and a member of the NIOSH/NORA service sector committee. He can be reached at (916) 608-9200 or shawnma@wasteconnections.com

DriveCam is looking for a marketing intern to assist in developing and executing marketing campaigns and initiatives. This position will provide hands-on experience with various aspects of strategic marketing and marketing communications including:

• Marketing content and collateral development
• Campaign Management
• Web & Email Marketing
• Tradeshow support
• Content creation and execution
• Social marketing program management
• Keyword research and SEO implementation

Qualifications:

• Business Undergraduate or MBA Student (preferred) with a minimum 3.0 G.P.A.
• Excellent project management and Organizational skills
• Ability to successfully handle multiple Assignments
• Prior marketing internship and/or experience (a plus)
• Proven written & oral communications skills
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint required

Those interested in this position can apply by submitting their resume (in Word format preferred) to jobs@drivecam.com. DriveCam is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

“During the past year, we have seen amazing results with DriveCam,” commented Jim Salmon, President. “Not only have we reduced the frequency of risky events by 60% but we’ve also seen the severity of risky events drop by 53%. The change in driver behavior was immediate once DriveCam was installed in our vehicles. In fact, we’ve seen cell phone use drop by 66% and behavior leading indicators, such as following too close, decrease by 64%.”

“In addition to making our drivers safer, DriveCam helps us identify our riskiest drivers and comply with customer reporting requirements,” commented Jeff Boone, vice president. “DriveCam has provided superb customer support and proved they are the experts in identifying risk and keeping our drivers and communities safe.”

DriveCam addresses the causes of poor driving by combining data and video analytics with real-time driver feedback and coaching, resulting in reductions in collision-related costs and fuel consumption. This is accomplished using DriveCam’s Driver Science Engine, a classification model that assists in predicting the riskiest drivers within a fleet. Through a patented, iterative process of scoring, prioritizing and tracking the results of driving behaviors, this model identifies those behaviors that will most likely lead to a collision and has provided significant savings by helping fleets more effectively manage their drivers. Driving behaviors are captured through in-cab video, which are objectively reviewed and scored and then passed on to the fleet for use in coaching drivers; video provides the objective context for discussion with drivers about their behavior. Fleets, like Pat Salmon & Sons, manage the DriveCam Program through DriveCam Online®, a web-based online portal.

 “We are proud to continue our relationship with Salmon and applaud their impressive track record and commitment to safety,” commented Brandon Nixon, DriveCam CEO. “Their contract renewal and fleet expansion is a direct result of the results they’ve achieved using DriveCam. As we continue to protect more than 400,000 drivers across 500 commercial and government fleets and more fleets see results similar to Pat Salmon & Sons, we know that our driver-focused solution gets drivers home safely and makes their communities a safer place to live.”

About Pat Salmon & Sons

Since its beginnings in 1946, Pat Salmon & Sons has maintained a very conservative philosophy in its business operations as a streamlined, low-overhead organization specializing in transporting the mail. Salmon has always been on the cutting edge of technology in its equipment and maintenance facilities. Over the past 20 years, Salmon has expanded through timely and well-positioned acquisitions toward an extensive network of maintenance and dispatch facilities throughout the southeast, Midwest, southwest, and western regions of the United States.

Pat Salmon & Sons is the only highway transportation company to ever win the coveted and prestigious Quality Supplier Award from the United States Postal Service.

About DriveCam Inc.

As proven experts in compliance and the science of safe and efficient driving, DriveCam reduces collision-related expenses, fuel costs and the risk of audits and lost business for hundreds of commercial fleets worldwide. We identify and address the causes of poor driving by combining sight and sound with real-time, predictive analytics. With over 500 commercial and government fleet clients, DriveCam monitors 20 billion driving miles annually, while protecting more than 400,000 drivers worldwide. For more information, visit www.drivecam.com.

DriveCam is looking for a highly motivated professional to help develop DriveCam’s next-generation Data Analytics strategy. The position requires leadership, experience and a strong understanding of applying statistical methodologies — including newer techniques from computational statistics and data mining — to extract insights from large data sets. The successful candidate will be able to communicate effectively with customers, partners and a variety of cross-functional stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

• Define and develop the client-facing and internal-facing data analytics roadmap.
• Manage and lead advanced analyses to assess relationships and patterns within member data, and create tools which can be leveraged to build actionable strategies.
• Communicate complex analytical discoveries into easy-to-understand client benefits/insights.
• Lead and communicate requirements to analytics development teams.
• Lead projects designed to understand key business behaviors such as client performance, retention and satisfaction.
• Lead the development of statistical models, applying appropriate techniques, such as exploratory data analysis, regression, bootstrapping, trees, cluster analysis, etc.
• Collaborate with partners and other functional stakeholders to understand business requirements and articulate key findings.

Qualifications:

• EDUCATION: Masters Degree or equivalent in Business / Statistics / Econometrics / Mathematics or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. PhD a plus.
• EXPERIENCE: 10 years of general business experience with 5 years of experience in quantitative analysis in a product management or business development role. Experience in transportation and/or fleet management a plus. Must have legal right to work in the USA.
• COMPETENCIES: Base Knowledge of SQL. Understanding of SPSS and other engineering statistical analysis tools is a plus.
• Strong analytical, logical and organizational skills.
• Ability to transform data into a variety of formats.
• Advanced skills with in Excel, Access and Word.
• Hands on, ability to work independently or as part of a team.

Those interested in this position can apply by submitting their resume (in Word format preferred) to jobs@drivecam.com. DriveCam is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The title of this article implies I’ll be able to answer a question; that being, are drivers engaging in less distracting activities while driving or are they getting better at hiding distracting activities while driving? Unfortunately, I won’t be able to directly answer that question; however, I’ll provide some evidence to support my own personal theory. 

By now it is common knowledge distracted driving presents a serious and potentially deadly activity. In 2009, 5,474 people (16 percent of the total fatalities) were killed in police-reported crashes in which at least one form of driver distraction was reported in the crash report. An estimated additional 448,000 (20 percent of the total injury crashes) were injured in vehicle crashes that were reported to involve distracted driving. The proportion of fatalities involving driver distraction increased from 10 percent in 2005 to 16 percent in 2009 (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2010). These simple statistics suggest that distracted driving is becoming more prevalent. However, these statistics can be misleading. First, until recently, many police accident reports (the forms police complete to record the circumstances in a vehicle crash) did not have a category to record cell phone use. Second, distraction is a hot topic. Police are more likely to “look” for distraction in a crash as they have been educated on the topic and received training in how to determine if the crash involved distraction. Thus, as more of these police accident reports are updated to include cell phone use and police are better educated and trained in how to assess distraction-related crashes, it’s only natural that crashes involving distracted driving would increase.

Those statistics reflect crashes involving distracted driving, what about the actual prevalence of distracted driving? The figure below shows driver electronic use while driving from 2002 to 2010 (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2010, retrieved from http://www.distraction.gov/download/research-pdf/8052_TSF_RN_DriverElectronicDeviceUse_1206111_v4_tag.pdf). As can be seen in the figure below, hand-held cell phone and headset use and visible manipulation of a hand-held device has remained relatively unchanged from 2002 to 2010.

This seems counterintuitive as many cell phone and texting laws were introduced after 2006; thus, the rates should have decreased after 2006. However, I conducted a study that found truck drivers were largely ignoring State cell phone laws. This doesn’t necessarily mean the laws are ineffective, it suggests they haven’t been properly enforced. A recently completed high-visibility enforcement demonstration in Hartford, Connecticut and Syracuse, New York supports this contention. Cogrove et al. (2011) reported a 57 percent and 32 percent reduction in driver hand-held cell phone use while driving in Syracuse and Hartford, respectively. The same high-visibility enforcement campaign resulted in a 72 percent and 32 percent reduction in drivers who were texting while driving in Hartford and Syracuse, respectively.

So, are drivers getting better or getting better at hiding? My guess would be a little of each. Some people will choose to assert their independence. I hate to date myself, but when seat belt laws were first mandated I remember you could purchase a seat belt-like strap that would attach to your shirt. That way it would look, from the outside of the vehicle, as if you were wearing your seat belt. I also remember a news report of a gentleman who placed a mannequin in his car so he could drive in the HOV lane. These same types of individuals will find ways to “hide” distracted driving. The only way to truly know is to have a video camera in the vehicle.

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Dr. Hickman joined the Center for Truck and Bus Safety at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute in 2004 and became the Group Leader for the Behavioral Analysis and Applications group in 2009.  He has significant experience in the design, delivery, and implementation of safety and health improvement interventions using behavior-based and person-based psychology and human factors applications.  His primary areas of research include community-wide (large scale) applications of behavior-based safety, self-management, and organizational culture change techniques as well as assessing driver behavior, fatigue, work/rest cycles, and driver distraction in commercial motor operations. Although specializing in commercial motor vehicle safety, Dr. Hickman’s research interests are broadly defined as occupational health and safety.

Dr. Hickman has been the PI, Co-PI, or Project Manager in 35 research projects (totaling over $10 million).  These research projects include competitive research awards from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Mine Health and Safety Administration, National Transportation Research Center, Inc., Transportation Research Board, Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, and the American Automobile Association Foundation for Traffic Safety. Dr. Hickman has over 60 professional presentations, including invited talks at Duke Energy, Sherwin-Williams, National Private Truck Council, Maersk, Pike Energy Corporation, and XL Insurance. Dr. Hickman has over 30 scientific publications and technical reports, served as a scientific reviewer for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in fiscal year 2012, and currently serves as a reviewer for the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, Accident Analysis and Prevention, and Journal of Organizational Behavior Management.

DriveCam Welcomes RAIR

At the end of 2011, DriveCam announced two significant events – a definitive agreement to raise $85 million in investment capital from WELSH, CARSON, ANDERSON & STOWE XI, L.P. (WCAS), a New York-based private equity firm and global leader in the funding and development of information and business services providers. The investment was made, in part, to fund the acquisition of RAIR Technologies, LLC , a leading provider of regulatory compliance solutions for DOT-regulated fleets. RAIR allows fleet operators to efficiently manage hours-of-service logs, CSA safety scores, driver qualification and vehicle inspection requirements.

By combining DriveCam and RAIR’s complementary services, clients will be able to take advantage of a suite of driver-centric services that will help fleet operators more efficiently manage their driver workforce. All of DriveCam welcomes RAIR into our family. And RAIR welcomes DriveCam into theirs. www.rair.com

DriveCam Continues to Grow

In addition to our recent acquisition of RAIR and our private investment, DriveCam continues to grow as current customers see results and expand their commitment, while new companies join our family.
Full Story »

New Driving Insights

Two new Driving Insights help drive your business.
Full Story »

Insights on Intersection Collisions

Studies show that almost 40% of all traffic collisions are intersection-related crashes.This should come as no surprise since any time drivers have an opportunity to cross each other’s path, the risk increases substantially.
Full Story »

Safety Culture

Efforts to decrease crashes and increase workplace safety encompass several areas. Standard interventions employed to reduce crash and injury risk can be grouped within four broad categories.
Full Story »

DriveCam Academy

Our in-depth training course teaches best practices learned from dozens of fleets and 14 years of improving driver safety.
Full Story »

• March 20, 2012 - Arlington, TX     Register here.
• May 15, 2012 – Newark, NJ         Register here.

Efforts to decrease crashes and increase workplace safety encompass several areas. Standard interventions employed to reduce crash and injury risk can be grouped within four broad categories: (1) engineering, (2) administrative, (3) personal protective equipment and (4) education and training. Although there is general agreement that both management leadership and employee participation are critical to the success in reducing injury and crash risk, until recently, most intervention efforts have relied on “engineering” the risk out of the job. In an attempt to make further improvements, risk managers and safety directors are currently considering safety culture or climate.

Click here to read this blog.

Part II: Steps to Effective Change

In my last article (above) I defined safety culture and explained its importance in organizational safety.In the current article I’ll attempt to illustrate the steps needed to obtain a positive safety culture.

Click here to read this blog.

Blog by Jeff Hickman, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute

To read the entire Driving Insights, click here.

2. Distribution: Stick to Fundamentals and Keep an Out

One of our latest Driving Insights newsletters focuses on the fundamentals of safe driving for the distribution industry. Our research revealed that drivers who fail to maintain reasonable space around their vehicle, and those who maintain poor following distances, are more likely to be involved in a collision. In fact, results from the study found that distribution drivers who are involved in one or more collisions are:

• 6.41 times more likely to fail to keep an out
• 4.68 times more likely to follow too close, 1 second or less

To read the entire Driving Insights, click here.