Driving Behavior Analysis

As the MyWheels community, we not only share cars but also the responsibility to treat them with care. Accidents can happen to anyone, and we trust our users to report any damage honestly. However, there are occasional cases where this doesn’t happen. That’s why we have developed a smart system that uses motion detection and artificial intelligence to automatically detect damage and reckless driving.

Do you have questions about how this system works? Below, you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions.

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1. How is driving behavior analyzed during a trip?

The vehicle is equipped with hardware that collects data from the car. These data points are compared to threshold values. If certain values exceed the set thresholds, an event is recorded. Each event is assigned a score—the higher the risk of damage or danger (see question 3 for possible events), the higher the score. The more high-value events occur during a trip, the worse the driving behavior is rated. Based on these calculations, MyWheels investigates and may take appropriate measures.

2. Why is my driving behavior analyzed during a trip?

To monitor safe driving and reduce damages and accidents. This ensures a safer and more affordable service. More damage leads to increased insurance costs, making the service more expensive.

3. What data is collected during a trip?

The following data points are recorded:

  • Speed: Driving above the allowed speed limit.
  • Braking: Harsh braking.
  • Cornering: Taking turns too sharply or too fast.
  • Acceleration: Accelerating too aggressively.

Note: Data points are only included in the analysis if they exceed a threshold value. Events below the threshold are ignored. Some isolated events are also not analyzed, as traffic situations can be unpredictable.

4. Is my driving behavior monitored in real time?

No, data is read during the trip by the hardware in the car and stored externally. The data is only analyzed after the trip has ended. Based on this analysis, the system assigns a score if a certain threshold is reached.

5. Can the system see my location?

Location data is read by the hardware in the car and stored externally. The hardware records the vehicle's location and speed, and the system uses this data to determine the maximum speed. The person reviewing the data does not have access to this information.

6. Who has access to the data?

  • Specific employees: Only trained employees responsible for implementing measures have access to the calculations and events.
  • Data team: Has access to train and improve the system.

7. What happens to the collected data?

  • Retention period: Data and calculations are stored for a maximum of 2 years.
  • Usage: The system only considers data from the last 10 trips to analyze driving behavior.

8. Are warnings or blocks issued automatically?

No, the system only performs calculations based on event values. A trained MyWheels employee makes the final decision regarding any measures based on all recorded events and the calculations.

9. Who decides on warnings or blocks?

A trained MyWheels employee reviews the score and underlying events to make the final decision.

10. What are examples of risky driving behavior?

  • Emergency stops: Repeated emergency braking may indicate excessive speed or lack of anticipation.
  • Speeding: Consistently driving above the speed limit is considered risky.
  • Combined events: Multiple braking actions followed by rapid acceleration and sharp turns are seen as dangerous driving behavior.

11. How is my privacy protected?

MyWheels has conducted a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) to evaluate:

  • Whether the processing of personal data in CARMA complies with privacy regulations and (future) AI legislation,
  • The potential risks for users, and
  • The necessary steps MyWheels must take to minimize these risks as much as possible.

As part of this DPIA, we have balanced the following interests:

  • MyWheels' interest in using a technological solution and algorithm to prevent damages and dangerous situations as much as possible and to reduce high insurance costs (see question 1).
  • The interest of protecting users from unnecessary tracking and from exposure to unfair algorithms or incomprehensible technologies and decision-making models.

Based on this assessment, we have made several adjustments to ensure that we only use the minimum necessary data in the algorithm and that we objectively and transparently measure whether driving behavior is dangerous or likely to cause damage. The updated privacy policy and these FAQs are a result of our DPIA, and we inform all drivers via stickers in MyWheels cars, email notifications, and pop-ups before each reservation.

This way, we strive to be as transparent as possible about driving behavior monitoring and its consequences. Additionally, a MyWheels employee always reviews the calculations to verify their accuracy and ensure they are justified.

Finally, we have implemented an opt-out option – see question 16. We will also continuously monitor the system’s performance and make adjustments where necessary.

12. Can I access my driving behavior analysis?

Yes, you can request the data used for any decision made about your driving behavior.

13. How can I appeal a block?

If you are blocked, you can:

  • Request the data on which the decision was based.
  • Submit an appeal for a re-evaluation of your situation.

14. Does this analysis affect my insurance or MyWheels usage?

  • Insurance: The analysis does not impact your personal insurance (but it does affect MyWheels' insurance, see question 2).
  • Usage: Only if a block is issued, your access to MyWheels will be restricted.

15. How often is the analysis process reviewed and improved?

The system is regularly updated with new data and real-world examples to improve accuracy over time.

16. Can the analysis be temporarily or permanently disabled?

The analysis is enabled by default for all vehicles. However, if a user has completed more than 25 paid trips with MyWheels and has minimal to no recorded events, an opt-out option is available.

17. Are the collected data used to issue fines or penalties?

The data is solely used to take action against rule violations. Minor violations may result in warnings to encourage safer driving.

18. What happens if there is an error in the analysis?

A human reviewer assesses the analysis and corrects any errors. Issues are reported and resolved accordingly.

19. What can I do if I disagree with a decision?

If you are blocked, you can:

  • File an appeal.
  • Request the data on which the decision was based.
  • Ask for a reassessment of the decision.

Together, we ensure that MyWheels cars remain safe and well-maintained for everyone, so we can all enjoy a smooth sharing experience.