AI tech keeps cement tanker drivers awake 

 Lafarge Cement, part of Aggregate Industries and its partner Lomas Distribution have fitted AI technology into its fleet to detect driver fatigue. The fleet of 50 44-tonne bulk tankers are now fitted with a driver status monitoring system from Spillard Vehicle Safety Systems. 

In-cab cameras and sensors actively analyse driver fatigue by tracking eye movements, facial features and other signs of fatigue. If the algorithm detects a driver is fatigued an alarm will sound until the vehicle stops. A remote alarm will also trigger at the transport base. 

Matt Owen, supply chain manager in Aggregate Industries’ cement division, said: “Health and safety is a massive priority for us as a company and the industry so anything that can serve to continuously improve our approach to it is very welcome. Driver fatigue is always a potential issue across any business involved in transport and fleet so we’re delighted to be utilising the latest technology with our partners to ensure that everyone gets safely home from work.”

As well as identifying symptoms of fatigue, the system can spot other unsafe behaviours such as mobile phone use, smoking, lane deviation and not wearing a seatbelt. The cement fleet is also fitted with remote access controls, emergency stop functions, collision and lane departure warning systems. The tankers take cement from the Cauldon Cement Plant in Staffordshire to delivery locations around the UK. Over one million tonnes of cement leave the plant every year. 

Gareth Durnall, general manager at Lomas Distribution, said: “We’re delighted to have introduced this new technology into our cement tankers alongside Aggregate Industries. Driver safety is paramount to us and anything that can help reduce adverse incidents and keep our drivers and other road users safe from harm is hugely important. This is another welcome piece of technology to add to the fleet.”