EROAD’s in-cab Drive Buddy supplies drivers with visual, easy-to-understand feedback in real time to support better driving. Drive Buddy turns on automatically when driving and doesn’t require any driver input.

A large visual display shows current speed and alerts the driver when harsh braking, sharp cornering or prolonged engine idling is detected.

Colour-coding indicates levels of risk and provides positive reinforcement of good driving.

RED: Unsafe – please drive safely

AMBER: Warning – please take care

GREEN: All good, you’re doing great

At the end of a trip, a Trip Summary including a driving score will be displayed, with 100 being the best possible score. Each trip starts with 100, drivers can lose points and win points back with good driving.

Harsh Braking and Sharp Acceleration

Harsh braking and sharp acceleration might cause unsafe conditions and this behavior impacts fuel consumption. The following warnings occur on the device during these events.

Harsh Braking

• Orange warning light displays on a deceleration event that exerts 0.29 g-force on a heavy vehicle or 0.38 on a light vehicle.
• Red warning light displays on a deceleration event that exerts 0.37 g-force on a heavy vehicle or 0.4 on a light vehicle. The driver feels noticeable forward movement during this event, and an unrestrained vehicle load moves forward. 

Sharp Acceleration

• Orange warning light displays at an acceleration event that exerts 0.31 g-force on a heavy vehicle and 0.39 on a light vehicle.
• Red warning light displays at an acceleration event exerting 0.35 g-force on a heavy vehicle and 0.42 on a light vehicle. The driver is thrusted backward into the seat, and an unrestrained vehicle load moves backward.

Preventing Fatigue

EROAD has designed an alert feature on the Ehubo to help prevent driver fatigue. Fatigue can affect driver judgment and decisions, if it is not carefully managed. Reaction time might slow down and drivers could be less aware of their fatigue symptoms. See https://www.nzta.govt.nz/safety/driving-safely/fatigue/ for more information about recognizing fatigue symptoms and find tips on avoiding fatigue.

A break icon in the form of a coffee cup displays on the upper right corner of the Ehubo when it is time for a break.

• Heavy vehicles — break warning appears five hours after ignition is on
• Light vehicles — break warning appears two hours after ignition is on

 EROAD driver safety tools help simplify compliance and support a safety-focused culture.