Utah's state fleet taps technology to collect driving data

While the technology that connects driving habits with insurance rates is just hitting Utah's consumer market, the state of Utah has been using electronic tools to monitor its fleet for the past year.

In 2012, state agencies began installing telematic devices to collect driving data, such as speeding, start and stop times and vehicle routes. Today, nearly 100 state-owned vehicles have the gadgets and the data is reviewed daily by agency supervisors, said Marilee Richins, operations officer for the Utah Department of Administrative Services.

"It's been hugely effective with the agencies that use it," Richins said. "Just knowing the thing is monitoring drivers makes a difference. That's the consensus."

Richins said information about vehicle idling has generated the most interest because of an executive order signed by Gov. Gary Herbert last year that requires drivers to turn off state vehicles after 30 seconds of idling.

Still, it's a pilot program, and Richins said executives are evaluating whether the $200 installation and $25 monthly fee per car is worth the cost.

State agencies participating in the telematics program include Human Services, Agriculture, Workforce Services, Education, Alcoholic Beverage Control, Environmental Quality, Trust Lands, Tax Commission, Health and the Governor's Office.