Keolis is innovating to limit accidentology in public transit

A continuous improvement approach for safety and security

Public transit is relatively less involved in traffic accidents than other modes of transport (1.8% of accidents resulting in bodily injury every year). In 2021 in France, that still represents 116 collisions involving a bus and 133 involving a tram. To reduce this rate of accidentology, Keolis is carrying out an active continuous improvement approach based on robust safety and security management, including procedures, training, shared tools and action plans adapted to each subsidiary. The Group also leads communication and awareness campaigns among the general public, particularly in schools. In addition to these initiatives, innovation plays a key role in reducing accidents involving public transit.

Data analysis at the center of safety and security decisions

Data analysis is a key factor for reducing accidentology. Last October, participants in the 13th session of the Keolis Innovation Club underlined the central role played by data in safety and security issues. Vehicle onboard systems and the digitization of processes (such as recording incidents) generate massive volumes of data. Analyzing this data provides a better understanding of the factors that cause accidents and makes it possible to implement efficient solutions for preventing accidents, such as analyzing infrastructure in accident-prone areas or driver behavior and reactions in specific situations.

Video, sensors and AI: precious tools for limiting accidentology

Another promising technology for onboard safety and security: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Including back-up cameras, lane departure warnings, blind spot detectors and more, ADAS sensors and video provide new tools for reducing collisions and risk. Some video systems also make it possible to analyze the behavior of drivers and their environment in order to prevent risks and anticipate potential accidents.

A new management system for accidentology

New technologies are proving effective, but only a shift in management processes will enable substantial advances in terms of safety and security. The main challenge for operators is to continue boosting their culture as learning organizations, in which data processing and video analysis can help employees improve their understanding of the systemic factors behind accidentology.

The goal is not only to remove blame from drivers and understand the factors prompting them to react in one way instead of another, but also to facilitate dialogue and conversation as much as possible. In fact, this is the only way to identify the right solutions.