Fleet operators are increasingly investing in connected vehicle technologies to improve safety outcomes and strengthen business performance according to new research released by Geotab.
The company’s inaugural Connected Fleets in Australia Report 2026 surveyed 517 fleet managers, executives and mobility professionals nationwide, examining how organisations are using telematics, video safety systems, asset tracking and AI-powered technologies to address key industry challenges.
The research found driver fatigue and safety remain the leading concerns for Australian fleets, followed by customer expectations, fuel costs and operational efficiency.
As a result, adoption of video telematics technology continues to increase, with more than half of Australian fleets now using in-cab video systems as part of broader safety and risk management programs.
According to the report, organisations using video telematics reported measurable improvements across several operational areas, including:
- 65 per cent improvement in driver safety.
- 61 per cent reduction in false claims.
- 49 per cent reduction in safety incident costs.
- 39 per cent reduction in insurance costs.
The report also highlighted the growing role of connected technologies in supporting driver coaching, fatigue management and compliance initiatives, particularly for fleets operating over long distances or in higher-risk environments.
“The Australian fleet industry is navigating a complex mix of safety, compliance and operational challenges, with driver fatigue, rising costs and increasing customer expectations placing greater pressure on fleet operators than ever before,” said Geotab Associate Vice President Sales – APAC, David Brown.
“Our research shows that connected vehicle technologies are becoming essential tools for organisations looking to improve safety and performance. In particular, video telematics is helping fleets move beyond reacting to incidents and towards proactively identifying risk, supporting driver coaching and creating safer outcomes on Australian roads.”
Brown said organisations adopting data-driven decision-making were increasingly recognising the connection between safety, efficiency and sustainability.
“The organisations achieving the strongest results are those using real-time insights to better protect their drivers, optimise operations and build more resilient businesses,” he said.
Beyond safety outcomes, the report found connected fleet technologies are also delivering broader business benefits. Seventy-five per cent of businesses using GPS tracking solutions said the technology was highly beneficial for fleet management, while 70 per cent reported reducing fleet costs and 57 per cent improved productivity.
More than half of respondents also reported achieving a positive return on investment within 12 months.
The report was commissioned by Geotab and conducted by ABI Research, examining technology adoption, operational challenges and emerging trends shaping the future of fleet management in Australia.
Earlier this month, Geotab and Swinburne University of Technology opened a transport innovation hub.
