PeopleNet's Wireless Connectivity and Iteris' SafetyDirect, Named One of Heavy Duty Trucking's Top 20 Products for 2009
Real-time driver performance reporting system judged on its innovation and ability to make fleets safer, more efficient and more profitable.
Minneapolis and Santa Ana, Calif. - February 25, 2010 -PeopleNet, a provider of innovative Internet-based and integrated onboard computing and mobile communications systems for effective fleet management, and Iteris, Inc. (NYSE Amex: ITI), a leader in the traffic management market that focuses on the application and development of advanced technologies, today announced that Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT) has named Iteris' SafetyDirect, with PeopleNet's Wireless Connectivity, to its Top 20 Products for 2009. The list will be published in the magazine's March issue.
From hundreds of products and services introduced in 2009, HDT editors, with over 100 years of combined industry experience, selected 50 nominees as Best of the Best new products from 2009.
The Iteris SafetyDirect™ system analyzes real-time driver performance data captured by Iteris' lane departure warning (LDW) system, such as excessive curve speed or lane changes without using a turn signal, and can relay this information directly to fleet operators through PeopleNet's onboard and mobile communications system and Iteris' Safety Direct data server. This integrated system provides an immediate warning to fleet operators if their drivers are having difficulty staying in their lanes; often a first indicator of driver drowsiness or other potential problems. In turn, fleet operators can take immediate action if warranted and communicate with drivers about their findings.
"Iteris is committed to delivering innovative products that make a real impact in the industry. The ability to collect and analyze LDW data in real-time is a major step towards assisting fleet safety managers in their efforts to proactively manage large truck safety initiatives and creates a unique opportunity to initiate contact with drivers prior to an accident, potentially saving lives and significant expense," states Abbas Mohaddes, Iteris' president and chief executive officer. "I am honored that Heavy Duty Trucking magazine has recognized Iteris' SafetyDirect with PeopleNet's wireless connectivity as one of the Top 20 Products for 2009,"
PeopleNet CEO Ron Konezny added, "This honor really recognizes how important the integration of powerful third-party applications with onboard and mobile communications systems is for the trucking industry-in this case to help meet legislated safety standards and maintain a responsible public image. Real-time driver performance notification gives fleet operators and safety managers tools for immediately minimizing risk associated with accidents related to driver fatigue and negative driving behavior."
Research conducted by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) revealed that 58 percent of total automotive-based fatalities were related to lane departures in 2006. The organization estimates that a lane departure occurs every 21 minutes in the United States. Iteris' Safety Direct and AutoVue Lane Departure Warning systems are part of a comprehensive suite of active safety driver assistance features that help to reduce the number of motor vehicle crashes and the severity of crash-related injuries.
About PeopleNet
PeopleNet is exclusively focused on providing innovative Internet-based and integrated onboard computing and mobile communications systems to improve North America's trucking industry's fleet management. Its products are used by nearly 1,500 truckload, LTL, private, and service fleets in the United States and Canada, including several Fortune 500 companies. Reputed for its customer-driven technological innovation, unparalleled flexibility, and proactive customer care, PeopleNet was the first major technology provider to offer Internet-based communications to the transportation industry 15 years ago. Since then, the company annually reinvests 100 percent of its profits into the business for aggressively developing new products that continue to improve fleet management. Industry recognition of the company's leadership includes: Inbound Logistics Top 100 Award; Food Logistics' 100 Top Technology Solutions and Service Providers; Frost & Sullivan Market Engineering Award; M2M Value Chain Award; and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. For more information about PeopleNet and its products, call (888) 346-3486, or visit www.peoplenetonline.com.
About Iteris, Inc.
Iteris, Inc. is a leader in the traffic management market focused on the development and application of advanced technologies that reduce traffic congestion, minimize the environmental impact of traffic congestion, and improve the safety of surface transportation systems. Combining outdoor image processing, traffic engineering, and information technology, Iteris offers a broad range of Intelligent Transportation Systems and driver safety solutions to customers worldwide. Iteris is headquartered in Santa Ana, California with offices throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Investors are encouraged to contact us at 888-329-4483, or at www.iteris.com.
