Saudi insurance company Najm has launched an initiative that involves installing smart devices in vehicles. These devices will monitor speed, acceleration, braking, turns and compliance with traffic. The data collected will be used to provide feedback to drivers with the aim of improving driving habits and overall road safety. The Najm initiative, in collaboration with US-based Cambridge Telematics and analytics platform AiGenix, introduces an advanced system that evaluates driving behaviour.
This technology can evaluate the driver’s risk levels in comparison to accepted standards. According to Asad Irshad, spokesperson for AiGenix, the service incorporates AI technology to assess aspects of the driver’s behaviour. This analysis includes factors such as when and where the driver drives, road and weather conditions and how they operate their vehicle.
Drivers can earn rewards and discounts on their vehicle insurance based on their driving habits. This incentivises safer driving habits as those driving more responsibly will benefit from reduced insurance costs. The aim is not only to improve road safety through behavioral strategies but to also create incentives for drivers to adopt safer driving habits.
Mohammad Al-Shehri, CEO of Najm, says the initiative aims to decrease road accidents and fatalities while enhancing protection against hazards, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Najm also plans to launch a social media campaign to raise road safety awareness to the public. Al Shehri says, “Media is essential in this partnership, especially because the main goal is that we want to raise awareness of road safety in the Kingdom, which began with today’s signing.”
The collaboration between Najm, Cambridge Telematics and AiGenix, is indicative of a significant step towards leveraging technologies to promote safer driving practices and obtain long term road safety goals in Saudi Arabia. William Powers, co-founder and CEO of Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT), highlighted the significance of the partnership with Najm to enhance road safety in Saudi Arabia.
He mentioned that CMT has grown exponentially on a global scale, powering advanced mobility programs across five continents. The programs are designed to protect millions of drivers daily and to improve road safety. Furthermore, he expressed excitement about the collaboration and said that the partnership will bring cutting-edge technology and expertise to the Kingdom.
The initiative aligns with CMT’s mission to leverage telematics and data analytics to promote safer driving habits thus reducing road accidents. Najm has also partnered with various insurance companies to incorporate the new telematics system and encourage consumers to utilise sensors that measure driving behavior and comply with traffic rules.
ALSO READ: Saudi Arabia introduces world’s first self-driving aerial taxis during Hajj season