MEMPHIS, Tenn. - ARS/Rescue Rooter announced that it has greatly reduced collision costs by implementing an integrated collision cost reduction program. Combining both traditional training and technology-based monitoring for its fleet, including a GPS-enabled DriveCam created at the company’s request, ARS/Rescue Rooter said it has seen a reduction in collision costs ranging from 30 to 70 percent per branch.

“Controlling costs is key for any business in this economic climate, but, to be effective, these controls must also contribute to the company’s effectiveness and improvement of the working environment,” said Scott Swisher, ARS/Rescue Rooter director of risk management. “Through our integrated program, we are both reducing costs through operational efficiencies and reinforcing our commitment to employee safety by combining training and technology.”

The company’s focus on collision cost reduction started with a back-to-basics approach of training all drivers on the key principles of driver safety. Now, to protect drivers and the vehicles, and to reduce costs, ARS/Rescue Rooter is installing the GPS-enabled DriveCam system throughout its fleet.

The company already had a DriveCam system in place, which is a palm-sized, exception-based video event recorder mounted in vehicles behind the rearview mirror to capture sights and sounds inside and outside the vehicle prior to, during, and after an incident. ARS/Rescue Rooter then approached DriveCam with the idea to incorporate real-time GPS technology into the system, which is now in place.

By incorporating this GPS functionality, the company is able to better route drivers to reduce miles driven, thus saving on fuel and maintenance costs and helping reduce collisions.

Currently, approximately 10 percent of the fleet has GPS-enabled DriveCam systems installed. By 2011, the GPS-enabled DriveCam will be installed throughout the entire fleet, numbering more than 3,600 vehicles.

ARS and Rescue Rooter are leading brands of American Residential Services L.L.C., providing heating, air conditioning, indoor air quality, plumbing, drain cleaning, and sewer line services across the United States. For more information about ARS/Rescue Rooter, visit www.ars.com.

Publication date: 07/27/2009