There are numerous reasons why you should choose a fleet tracking system with an integrated camera, including: new insights into the way drivers conduct themselves on the road, better-informed driver training programmes, clear proof in the event of accident claims, protection against mendacious claims and ‘crash-for-cash’ scams and evidence of dangerous driving.
The arrival of dashboard cameras changed the fleet saftey technology landscape and the latest developments have brought together dashboard camera recordings and high definition telematics data, providing unprecedented visibility into driver behaviour and fleet safety. So why should your business look for fleet tracking solutions that has integrated camera capability?
Q: How can cameras promote safer driving?
A: Fleet tracking systems in general have helped to enhance road safety by providing detailed, hard evidence (in the form of telematics data) about both driver and vehicle performance. Integrated cameras assist with this further by providing transport managers with a full record of how drivers behave while driving. This information can be used to assess how individuals cope with the rigours of the job, as well as their competence and safety standards. Drivers who know that there is a camera in their cab are also likely to take greater caution, and to drive in a safer manner. This in itself can have a significant positive effect on road safety, as well as helping employers meet their duty of care responsibilities towards their workforce.
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Q: How can telematics data and in-cab cameras help with driver training?
A: In-cab cameras make a very useful driver training tool. They can be highly useful when training new drivers, by showing them how they have reacted to particular incidents and issues they have encountered while behind the wheel. This in turn can give them a better idea of where they have gone wrong (where applicable) and help them in their efforts to improve in particular areas. However, its potential usefulness extends well beyond new drivers. It is also valuable in helping with the ongoing training and development of more experienced drivers, and the combination of telematics data with in-cab footage can be particularly powerful and compelling when shown to drivers as part of the debriefing process. This is all an important part not only of helping drivers to continually improve, but also of fostering a wider culture of road safety throughout the entire fleet.
Q: Aren’t drivers likely to oppose the introduction of in-cab cameras?
A: Not necessarily – it depends how you approach the matter. It is true that some drivers may initially be apprehensive about the prospect of having cameras installed inside their cabs watching what they do, but the reality is that these devices are also there to help improve safety standards and provide protection against fraudulent accident claims. This means that the presence of cameras is highly beneficial for drivers as well as the company they work for. When introducing this technology for the first time, transport managers should take care to keep drivers informed and to explain the benefits at length. Through consultation of this sort, the consent of drivers can be won without too much difficulty.
Q: Is there a realistic danger of my fleet being caught up in a crash-for-cash scam?
A: Recent years have seen crash-for-cash scams become commonplace on British roads. Essentially, what these scams involve is the driver of one vehicle deliberately forcing another into an accident – for example, by slamming the brakes on while in front of them – and making it look as if the latter is the guilty party. While it’s impossible to predict whether or not a particular fleet will find itself targeted by scammers, the danger is a very real one and so it is essential that firms are prepared. Dash cams can provide clear evidence in these circumstances, providing a clear record of suspicious behaviour by other road users. This will enable insurers to determine the real causes of accidents, and protect fleets against any third-party scams.
Q: Are dash cams a legal requirement for fleets?
A: Dash cams are not legally mandatory for fleet vehicles yet, but there is always the possibility that this may change in the future. Having integrated cameras is also highly likely to stand fleets in good stead with insurers, who may take this factor into account when calculating insurance premiums.