Driving Canada’s roads and highways during the winter requires more than grit. Treacherous storms, freezing temperatures, and driver fatigue can test even the best-prepared fleets. And with the highest number of vehicle crashes in Canada taking place in December—with January being a close second—the end-of-year holiday rush and human error can make even the most seasoned drivers feel wary.

This is where a technology partner like Samsara comes in. From 24/7 visibility on the road to preventative maintenance that mitigates costly (and dangerous) breakdowns, vehicle telematics equipped with invaluable AI allows operations leaders to breathe easier during the long winter months.

For companies like Sterling Crane Canada, based in Edmonton with equipment spread across remote job sites from British Columbia to Ontario, having accurate data is crucial. It not only saves them millions of dollars and thousands of hours in technician time but also keeps them competitive throughout the year.

From real-time visibility into key data, including diagnostic reports, hour meter readings, and utilization reports, Sterling Crane Canada saw “immediate benefits from accurate data reporting, GPS locations, and insights we've never had before,” said Marco Goodridge, Head of Compliance. According to Goodridge, making the switch to Samsara “has been a game changer. We’re able to get accurate, instant data whenever we need it. The experience has been amazing for all of us.”

Keeping drivers safe, in real time.

With to-the-second GPS and vehicle diagnostics, drivers can feel safe knowing that their entire team—from dispatchers to back-office managers—can have full visibility into their vehicle’s location. With weather overlays built into the Samsara Platform, operators have the tools to reroute drivers during stormy weather and provide real-time updates to customers waiting for deliveries.

Serving as an extra set of eyes on the road, AI Dash Cams help to minimize lane drifting, tailgating, harsh braking, and excessive speeding, all while ensuring that drivers are exonerated from any false claims. Paired with a structured coaching program, managers can work with drivers to improve any negative behaviours, all while improving safety scores and ensuring that they feel empowered to tackle seasonal road challenges.

And, with the sun setting earlier during long tiresome drives, features like monitor a multitude of behaviours that point to fatigue—such as head nodding, prolonged idling, yawning, and face-rubbing—warning drivers at the first signs of tiredness. Trained on trillions of data points, Drowsiness Detection is another AI feature that helps to serve as a driver’s virtual accountability copilot.

Vehicle inspections that go beyond checkboxes.

Drivers should be able to focus on getting from point A to point B safely and efficiently, without the hassle of time-consuming paperwork—especially in the slush and snow. The Samsara Driver App simplifies pre-trip and post-trip inspections with digitized in-app DVIRs, enabling drivers to quickly log information that managers can access in real time.

When it comes to ELD compliance, the Driver App helps drivers prevent HOS violations before they happen by minimizing errors associated with manual entries. This real-time data then syncs directly to the Samsara Cloud, allowing both drivers and fleet managers to access up-to-date information on driving hours and duty status, while In-Cab Nudges™ ensure seamless communication between drivers and the back-office.

Thanks to real-time GPS tracking, the Driver App can also alert drivers to changing road conditions, allowing them to make informed route choices that avoid congestion or unexpected hazards.

Preventative maintenance for optimized performance.

Canadian companies know the undeniable strain that winter puts on fleets, especially when they’re travelling vast distances. An average of 19.5% of all fatal crashes in Canada between 2017 and 2021 alone were attributed to environmental factors like snow and icy roads. By setting up a preventative maintenance schedule, complete with real-time engine diagnostics, fault code alerts, and customized alerts tailored to their fleet, operators can optimize their fleet’s performance during a notoriously unpredictable season.

For Sterling Crane Canada, the necessity for preventative maintenance is paramount. Since implementing Samsara, they have gone from 66% planned and 34% unplanned maintenance to reaching their 80/20 maintenance goal, resulting in a 14% improvement. “With Samsara, our maintenance process is more efficient. We've improved the reliability of our equipment, which in turn improves our reputation with our clients,” said Mark Pisani, VP of Operations. 

By preventing breakdowns and extending the life of vehicles, preventive maintenance—and timely alerts—help reduce overall repair costs and enhance winter fleet safety and efficiency.