With Turkey considered a high-risk country for drivers, the transportation of hazardous and dangerous goods over long distances on its roads poses significant challenges. Recognising that the wellbeing and protection of its drivers from fatigue and distractions are crucial, Karinca Logistics implemented our Guardian technology to bring an additional level of safety across its fleet.

Health, Safety, and Environment results are key performance indicators for Karinca Logistics. To achieve its goals, the company conducts advanced driving training programs, ensures vehicles are equipped with the highest safety standards, and implements journey management planning, scheduled driving and resting times, and sophisticated road hazard mapping.

“Despite our best practices and risk mitigation measures, drowsiness and distraction remained significant concerns in our operations,” says Kenan Oral, Assistant General Manager – Energy Logistics.

“Seeking an alternative to solely relying on drivers’ judgment, we conducted a thorough market evaluation and identified technology as the solution, finding a proven, user-friendly, and purpose-fit system.”

Implementing Guardian

Today, Karinca Logistics’ fleet is equipped with Guardian from Seeing Machines, a technology that uses face and eye tracking algorithms to detect fatigue and distraction, allowing for proactive intervention. Guardian not only ensures driver safety, but also provides valuable information and data for informed decision-making within the business.

Since the implementation of Guardian in 2022, the technology has been instrumental in detecting drivers’ drowsiness and alerting them through voice and vibration alerts. It has also raised awareness among the management team and drivers about the risks and consequences of short-term microsleep and drowsiness during driving.

In addition to the technology installed in the driver’s cabin, Guardian has contributed to Karinca Logistics’ health and safety program by educating drivers about fatigue and the causes of drowsiness and microsleep. The system has detected numerous cases of microsleep and drowsiness, revealing that drivers were not operating at the safety levels previously assumed.

“Some drivers were insistent on continuing to drive and taking potentially fatal risks, despite experiencing symptoms of drowsiness and fatigue,” says Mr Oral.

Previously, the management team monitored drivers via cameras inside the cabins, but the limited time available made it possible to check only a small part of the total driving time. Moreover, some drivers were uncomfortable with being constantly monitored by cameras, perceiving it as an invasion of their privacy.

“Guardian has provided us with a comprehensive system that monitors all drivers’ driving time while respecting their privacy,” continues Mr Oral.

“The technology focuses on capturing distractions rather than recording detailed views of drivers’ faces, ensuring drivers’ comfort with the system.”

Gaining Trust

Gaining drivers’ trust was a crucial aspect for Karinca Logistics’ management team. They provided drivers with detailed information about the system, its purpose, functionality, and benefits. Initially, drivers had doubts and even attempted to test the system by deliberately turning their faces to the sides and squinting their eyes. However, after a short period, they accepted the effectiveness of the technology and now trust it.

“In terms of health and safety performance, Guardian has provided solid evidence to demonstrate our commitment to improving health and safety practices to our clients,” says Mr Oral.

“Guardian plays a vital role in preventing one of the most fatal challenges faced by drivers – fatigue. By safeguarding our drivers, we are not only prioritising their wellbeing, but we are also enhancing the safety of other road users.”

Leveraging Technology to Enhance Safety

Recognising that driving can become repetitive and boring, increasing the risks of drowsiness and distraction, Karinca Logistics understands that educating drivers or providing instructions on behaviour alone is not enough.

“We believe that technology can be a real game-changer in certain circumstances, surpassing traditional practices in terms of effectiveness and impact. Companies that embrace the power of technology are positioned as winners today and in the future,” says Mr Oral.

Guardian has become an integral part of Karinca Logistics’ journey towards continued success and safer roads for everyone. The company acknowledges that by leveraging technology, they can ensure driver safety, improve health and safety practices, and make a significant contribution to reducing accidents caused by fatigue and other distractions.

“Karinca Logistics has further prioritised driver safety and health by implementing Guardian technology,” says Mr Oral.

By proactively detecting fatigue and distraction, Guardian not only keeps drivers safe but also provides valuable insights and data for decision-making within the company. The system has helped raise awareness among drivers and the management team about the risks of drowsiness and microsleep.

Karinca Logistics believes that technology, when harnessed effectively, can revolutionise the industry and pave the way for enhanced road safety. With Guardian as a key tool in its arsenal, Karinca Logistics is heading in the right direction to continued success and making roads safer for everyone involved. Learn more in this case study.