Concrete Provider Deploys Video Safety Program

Penny’s Concrete, a regional provider of ready-mix concrete and aggregate products in Kansas and Missouri, has adopted the SmartDrive video-based safety program. The company made the decision to implement the system across its entire fleet of 130 vehicles based on results achieved by several ready-mix fleets already using the solution.

“Safety is universal. If the SmartDrive program makes other fleets in our industry safer, we know it will extend to our fleet as well.” commented Cory Claxton, director of ready-mix operations and safety at Penny’s Concrete. “As a family-owned company, safety is of paramount importance. Every employee is a member of our family, and we sought a video solution to protect our drivers in particular. Based on the positive results from our initial case studies, we are excited to deploy the SmartDrive platform across our entire fleet.”

Since its founding in Lawrence, Kan., in 1976, Penny’s Concrete has provided customers with high-quality concrete products. Today, the company has 26 plants in 22 locations in central and eastern Kansas, as well as western Missouri, including the Kansas City metropolitan area. In addition to its concrete operation, Penny’s Aggregates provides sand and rock products in various locations.

“Safety is part of our everyday mindset,” continued Claxton. “We know our drivers are reliable and safe, however there are instances where our drivers are wrongfully accused of causing an incident. With the video-based safety program from SmartDrive, our drivers are protected. The SmartDrive program also enables us to proactively coach drivers on skills that need improvement, helping to prevent further incidents. The SmartDrive technology is a win-win-win for everyone—our drivers, our company and other motorists on the road.”

As part of its decision process, Penny’s leadership conducted an analysis to determine which SmartDrive product line was best suited for its fleet. The SmartDrive SmartChoice Program allows fleets to choose the video safety program that best meets its unique needs. This flexibility was a key factor in Penny’s decision, along with the SmartDrive fully managed service offering, which alleviates Penny’s management team from the tedious tasks of reviewing video footage and analyzing data.

SmartDrive also offers the SmartIQ Ready-Mix intelligence package for companies in the concrete industry. Tailored for the unique needs of the ready-mix sector, the package provides insight that enables fleets to take proactive action to reduce the root causes associated with rollovers and other incidents, preventing injuries to employees and other motorists, while reducing costs. With multi-camera coverage, ready-mix specific triggering and a flexible program that can be customized to capture and prioritize risk unique to concrete fleets, the SmartDrive solution is rapidly gaining traction with companies such as Penny’s.