Logistics: BCAA (British Columbia Automobile Association)
The Problem
BCAA faced a critical safety challenge: ensuring their Team Members’ wellbeing, particularly when they worked alone in remote areas throughout the province as they regularly moved in and out of their vehicles during shifts.
A specific incident highlighted the need for action— A driver became stranded in a non-cell-service area during a service call and couldn’t signal his need for help. The manager at the time, realizing something was wrong when there had been no communication, personally took a truck out to locate the driver. Though the driver was safe, simply stuck and in need of assistance, this incident exposed a major gap in BCAA’s safety protocols.
Reflecting on the event, the team realized their manual check in processes required improvement. They needed an automated safety solution that would integrate with their existing Geotab platform, provide real-time visibility, and support drivers without creating distractions.
The Solution
BCAA chose Ok Alone as the ideal solution, seamlessly integrating it into their Geotab ecosystem. The implementation was designed to address their specific needs:
• Dashboard Integration: Managers would receive notifications via the My Geotab dashboard, receiving alerts directly without needing additional platforms.
• Drive App Integration: Drivers were automatically logged into Ok Alone when they signed into Geotab. To minimize distractions, the Ok Alone tech team introduced what they call “Enhanced Drive Mode,” ensuring that drivers did not receive alerts while inside their vehicles. Check-ins were only activated when drivers left their vehicles, providing robust safety coverage without disrupting their focus on the road. The system also included a panic button for emergencies.
• Focused Safety Monitoring: Monitoring drivers when they are away from their vehicles ensures focused safety coverage during higher-risk moments. This feature enhances protection for BCAA’s roadside technicians.
• Geotab API Integration: The integration automated driver data imports, syncing vehicle locations with Ok Alone. The system detected when vehicles stopped and activated monitoring until drivers returned, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Kristopher Villeneuve shared, “Basically, all of our drivers—interior fleet, Lower Mainland fleet, and Victoria—they all have an integration through Geotab. As soon as they do the pre-trip and sign into Geotab, it automatically logs them into Ok Alone and starts their shift.”
This setup works seamlessly with BCAA’s policy of issuing cell phones as personal protective equipment (PPE), making the Ok Alone app a natural fit for their drivers.
The Results
Over a six-month period, BCAA used the system to support 167 drivers across 5,788 shifts, monitoring nearly 57,000 hours of roadside activity—an average of 9,500 hours per month.
Despite the high volume, only 251 safety alerts were triggered, many of which were due to routine testing of safety features. This low number of alerts demonstrates the reliability of the system while highlighting its value as a notification tool.
The introduction of Enhanced Drive Mode also had a significant impact. The system allowed drivers to stay fully focused on the road and the BCAA member they were assisting, without distractions from alerts inside the vehicle.
Beyond the numbers, the integration has reinforced a culture of safety within BCAA. Managers gained confidence in their ability to protect their teams, while drivers feel supported and valued, knowing there is a system in place to ensure their well-being that can respond quickly when needed.
Kristopher Villeneuve noted, “It’s all about how you implement and communicate it. This is a great tool for the team—it’s solely to make sure you’re safe when you’re working. That was the main message we tried to drive home.”
The Conclusion
BCAA’s partnership with Ok Alone demonstrates how innovative technology can solve real-world safety challenges. With features tailored to BCAA’s unique needs, Ok Alone provides a comprehensive safety system that enhances driver security, improves emergency response capabilities, and reinforces the organization’s commitment to worker well-being.
By integrating Ok Alone into their Geotab platform, BCAA ensured their drivers were supported and protected without disruption.
“I’m excited because I think we’re getting to a good place, and I think the work we’re doing here is setting a good industry standard and will then filter down to other companies. Ok Alone have been great partners throughout, listening to and adapting to our needs to keep our people safe out on the road.” – Kristopher Villeneuve
This collaboration not only reinforced BCAA’s commitment to worker safety but also set a high standard for using technology to enhance employee well-being.
For organizations looking to improve lone worker safety, BCAA’s story offers a powerful example of how the right solution can make a significant difference whilst ensuring both compliance and peace of mind for employers and employees alike.
