For those responsible for their principals’ safe and secure transportation, 2022 will create unprecedented challenges brought on by the computer chip shortage, the increased use of connected vehicles, and the changing landscape of the automotive industry and the EP/Secure Transportation profession.

The following are 11 predictions that will impact Secure Transportation services.

Electric Vehicles

There is no question that Electric Vehicles (EV’s) are coming to the EP and Secure Transportation profession. It is not if it is when executive transportation will be done in EV’s. It may not be 2022, but it is coming. We suggest Security drivers and Secure Transportation providers understand the effects of EV’s on Secure Transportation.

Cyber Security

If you are a supplier of secure transportation services, we suggest you address the issue of vehicle connectivity and educate yourself on the risk it presents to your principal or client. Predictions are that in 2022 vehicle cybersecurity incidents will increase at an alarming rate.

Autonomous Vehicles

As a Security Driver or provider of Secure Transportation, your client or principal expects you to stay current and know the ever-increasing technologies available in executive vehicles. Level three vehicles are being introduced into some parts of the world. The various levels of Autonomous vehicles and their effect on the driving task are some of those pieces of knowledge you need to have.

Cost and Availability of Executive Vehicles

In 2021, the computer chip shortage has severely affected the availability and cost of the types of vehicles used for secure transportation. That will continue in 2022 and maybe into 2023. With very few vehicles available, the cost of new vehicles is now 10 to 15% over the sticker price.

Rental Vehicle Shortage

There is currently a shortage of the Secure Transportation types of rental vehicles. Predictions are that these shortages could go into 2023.

Covid-19

The problems created by the Pandemic will be with the Secure Transportation community as we move into 2022. If you plan on supplying secure Transportation, you need to get a handle on what it takes to meet the market’s needs. We suggest all those involved in Secure Transportation take a look at the COVID-19 page on our website.

Carjackings

In late 2021, the number of carjacking incidents reported by the Department of Justice is about 49,000 per year. Law Enforcement data predicts that these numbers will increase in 2022.  In some locations in the U.S., the number of Carjackings is becoming an epidemic – it can happen to anyone anywhere and anytime. 

Telematics

The new infrastructure bill will require all vehicles equipped with telematics devices. From a security standpoint, we don’t see it being a good idea.

Training Standards, a Move to Certification

There is a need for standardization in the Executive Protection profession; there are two organizations moving forward to develop ANSI certifications.

Change in Protective Driver Training

Some of the basic escape maneuvers are affected by the use of ADAS systems – trainers will have to address these issues.

Increase in the need for qualified Security Drivers and EP Practitioners

Going into 2022, the job data collected by the International Security Driver Association has indicated a substantial increase in the demand for qualified practitioners.