Austin Community College is updating how we manage College-owned vehicles. Starting September 1, 2025, Risk & Fleet Management (RFM) will oversee all vehicles used for College business. This means more safety, better oversight, and less work for departments.
Why This Matters
- Keep drivers safe
- Protect College property
- Lower fuel and repair costs
- Make accident investigations easier
- Improve emergency response
We’re also adding Samsara telematics—a system with GPS tracking and smart cameras—to monitor vehicle health and driving behavior. These tools focus on safety, not surveillance.
What is Samsara?
- Cameras: Facing both the road and the driver
- Sensors: Detect hard braking, speeding, tailgating, etc.
- Voice alerts: Remind drivers to stay safe (e.g., “Wear your seatbelt”)
The system records video only during vehicle use or safety events. Most footage is automatically deleted after about 72 hours unless needed for an incident review.
Privacy Matters
- No recording when vehicles are off.
- No constant monitoring.
- Only trained Fleet or Campus Police staff can access video or data.
Purpose: Protection and coaching, not punishment.
Department To-Do List (Before Sept 1, 2025)
- Verify your vehicle inventory using the Fleet Vehicle Reporting Form.
- Make sure all drivers are authorized (or renew their authorization) between July 1–Aug 31, 2025.
- Help with Samsara equipment installation.
- Share this information with your staff.
Benefits for Departments
- No more tracking maintenance or fuel.
- Reduced paperwork and admin tasks.
- Quick help when vehicles break down.
- Access to backup vehicles if needed.
- Easier planning and safer driving.
Key Statistics
- 1 in 5 fleet vehicles is in an accident each year.
- Injury-related accidents cost $74,000+ on average.
- Nearly 50% of injuries involve passengers or third parties.
- With cameras, 60% of claims are resolved in favor of the driver.
Sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Fleet Financials, National Safety Council, NETS Benchmark Report.
FAQs
Q: Will departments lose access to their vehicles?
A: No. You keep your vehicles. Centralized management means better care, not less access.
Q: Who handles maintenance now?
A: RFM will schedule and manage all service. You’ll just follow notifications.
Q: What if a vehicle breaks down?
A: RFM has loaner vehicles available.
Q: Can we opt out?
A: No. This is a College-wide change.
Q: Are the cameras always watching?
A: No. They record during driving or safety events only.
Q: Who sees the video?
A: Only authorized College staff for safety or legal reasons.
Let’s Work Together
This initiative will only work with your help. We need leaders to:
- Share this message with staff.
- Set clear expectations for safe driving.
- Encourage quick reporting of vehicle issues or incidents.
Contact Us
Office of Risk Management & Insurance
Risk & Fleet Management Help Form
Fleet Management fleet@austincc.edu