Driving is one of the most dangerous activities people engage in on a regular basis.

And driving on unpaved, treacherous roads under extreme weather conditions — as many Schlumberger employees do on a regular basis — only increases the chances that a mistake made while driving is going to lead to an accident...or worse. That is why Schlumberger teamed up with Cadec Systems to develop a driver monitor system for its vehicles.

The Goals: Improve Driving Performance, Reduce Vehicle Accidents, Save Lives and Lower Costs

The Cadec Driver Performance Monitor System (Cadec 1000S) is a customized electronic driver performance monitor designed to make Schlumberger employees driving fleet vehicles better, safer drivers. It aims to achieve this goal by monitoring driving and vehicle performance and by providing continuous feedback to drivers so that they maintain a high level of awareness.

The Cadec 1000S is not a tattletale or "Big Brother." It has not been designed to "get" drivers, unless they constantly ignore the safe driving standards Schlumberger has established. Rather, it is used as a tool to help keep drivers actively involved in maintaining safe driving habits. The 1000S enhances the Commentary Drive program, for instance, by serving as a watchful and objective onboard "coach."

How the Cadec 1000S Works

The lOOOS system is made up of an onboard computer (OBC), a remote cartridge unit (RCU), a cartridge that stores data and sensors that connect the computer to various parts of the vehicle. There is also a software program residing on the personal computer in the office.

The OBC monitors vehicle information such as idle, speed, time and rates of acceleration and deceleration. It also notes driving conditions by determining whether headlights and windshield wipers are turned on.

The remote cartridge unit serves two main functions:

1) It accepts the data cartridge, which is used to store personal driving data and transfers it from the office to the vehicle and back again.

2) It alerts the driver when he or she is violating company standards for safe driving. For example, if the driver is speeding, the RCU's green light comes on, its red light flashes and the beeper beeps. That alerts the driver to the fact that he or she is exceeding the speed limit and should slow down.