Submitted by Kim Thoman.

Collision Detection in the Analytics Lab

The collision detection experiment in the Geotab Analytics Lab reviews and confirms collisions that are automatically detected by the telematics GO device. Users can also use this tool to report collisions manually. Here is a link to “How to download and install Analytics Lab” in your Geotab database. After installing Analytics Lab, go to the Collision detection experiment and click try it.

Collision Detection – the Technical Stuff

Collisions are detected by the Geotab GO device upon any acceleration greater that or equal to 2.5 G, where G is 9.81 m/s2 (the acceleration due to the Earths gravity). This is classified as a collision-level event. Geotab GO device firmware will not use/Up/Down accelerometer data (also known as the Z axis) in this calculation. The calculation uses the magnitude of the hypotenuse between X and Y where X is Forward/Braking and Y is Side to Side.

When the GO device detects a 2.5 G event in any direction, the device is triggered to start recording at 100 Hz frequency. This detailed, high-resolution information will be reflected in the trip in MyGeotab, and includes acceleration, GPS speed, and brake data (if available).

About the Experiment

The Data Analytics Research team, using advanced analytics techniques, has developed a model capable of detecting collisions when they happen to present critical information on point of impact, magnitude to help users monitor, act, and take measures to mitigate future collisions.

How Does the Collision Detection Experiment Work?

Because it can provide an accurate scientific record of events, telematics data proves to be highly valuable for Fleet management. The model monitors the telematics data and applies what it has learned as signals in accelerometer data to detect and classify collision events. Due to the granularity of the data, the model can tell you many things about a collision such as a point of impact, trigger type, location, time, and much more. With this experiment, users could gain a broader perspective on the event by looking at the historical patterns for a specific driver or vehicle.

What is the Benefit to Fleets?

Fast and easy to use method to detect potential collisions.
Provides critical data to take Collision workflow decisions and actions.
Point of impact can provide a better understanding of the overall accident as it occurred.
Increasing overall fleet safety by unlocking patterns in-vehicle, locations, and conditions to reduce potential collision in the future.

For more detailed information on collision reconstruction, you can download this white paper from Geotab