It’s understandable that some drivers are hesitant about in-cab cameras, but persistent misconceptions have overshadowed the huge benefits of this technology. Dash cams shouldn’t be avoided or feared—they ultimately are designed to help keep drivers safe. Dash cam video and data also offer a powerful way to provide management with objective input from the field.
Here are six ways dash cams can help drivers in their day to day, as well as their careers
Fast Exonerations
It’s no secret that commercial drivers may be falsely blamed for incidents in an effort to win a legal claim. In a recent survey of global fraud fighters, up to 50% of respondents had dealt with staged accidents within a 12-month period.
If you’ve been falsely accused of causing a collision, in-cab cameras can provide video evidence to prove that you weren’t at fault. When your company has instant access to footage from the field, fraudulent claims will be immediately thrown out. This allows you to get back to your job without having to argue your innocence, keeping your name and record clear.
Easy Proof of Service
After long days of driving and logistics, you shouldn’t have to go back and prove the job has been done. Dash cams can do that for you. If a customer complains that a delivery was never made, if no one was around to receive a load, if a dock was full, or if there was no access to a location, your dash cam will have captured what happened with a date and time stamp. This makes it incredibly easy for you and your managers to document service and share it with a customer when needed.
Safer Driving
A smart dash cam powered by artificial intelligence (AI) is the best tool to help drivers identify risks, which translates to a safer working environment. From distracted driving habits to unsafe roadway conditions, the in-cab cameras of today are advanced enough to flag drivers and managers when something risky is occurring.
Video with machine vision and artificial intelligence (MV+AI) technology provides situational awareness for both the driver and the manager. With the information intelligent dash cams provide, you can make more knowledgeable decisions when faced with unpredictable factors like weather, pedestrians, risky intersections, low bridges, and more.
One company finding success with the Lytx solution is Bacton Transport Services in the UK. Since implementing dash cams, Bacton has seen a 43% reduction in overall risk and up to an 80% reduction in risky driving behaviours such as mobile phone use or smoking while driving.
Better Communication and Feedback
Yes, dash cams can provide critical collision evidence and also help you improve your driving skills. But just as importantly, video acts as a communication tool for drivers and coaches. The footage gives context to your conversations about what actually happened and why you made decisions, keeping feedback flowing so it’s not just a top-down approach at the fleet. Drivers can use video from in-cab cameras to provide specific examples and explanations, improving fleet communication and safety, as well as morale.
“We know from employee engagement surveys how much our drivers are constantly looking for better feedback and communication,” said Nick Newman, General Manager of Fleet, Bacton Transportation. “The response from them has been overwhelmingly positive.”
More Recognition
Instead of relying on second-hand reports, managers can see for themselves footage of drivers using defensive driving, safe habits, and professionalism in the field. Your exceptional driving skills can be recognised right away—not only is the praise nice to hear, but the video clips can also be used to set safety standards for the entire fleet. Plus, the footage clearly highlights the drivers who are acting like leaders, and consequently could be nominated to receive perks, bonuses, promotions, and other incentives.
In a recent report, 92% of employees said that they’re more likely to repeat actions for which they receive recognition, and organisations that rate their culture of recognition highly are also three times more likely to see increased employee retention.
Inter-city coach operator National Express, which contracts through partner companies, awards annual driving-excellence honours to operators logging low incidents of DriveCam coachable events, and confers Gold Status on partners demonstrating excellence in safety standards. Many National Express partners earn Gold Status year over year, with some boasting more than 10 sequential Gold years.
“Our partner operators represent our brand every single day, and it is important for us to recognise the hard work and dedication that they put into their businesses to deliver an excellent service for us,” said National Express Service Delivery Director Ed Rickard.
More Independence
Intelligent dash cams with MV+AI help drivers continuously learn—entirely on their own. When a driver engages in risky behaviour, the dash cam will send First Notification of Risk (FNOR). This real-time alert empowers the driver to course correct to avoid an incident. Over time, these continuous alerts will help drivers recognise their risky behaviours and make them aware of bad habits so they can develop better ones. Many drivers would prefer using tools that help them improve their skills on their own over receiving manager intervention. Dash cams can help drivers self-manage to improve their skill set, and thus their career prospects. Learn more about the power of FNOR here.
According to Shaun Appleby, Support Operations Manager at Bacton Transportation, their drivers are responding well to dash cam alerts. "The footage showed us that if an in-cab alert goes off, drivers are very quick to self-correct,” he said. “Our drivers really like that quick reminder, and the feedback has been that it's easy and not at all disconcerting."
Dash Cams Support Drivers and Fleets
If we can dispel the stigmas around in-cab cameras, drivers and fleets can happily embrace all the benefits offered by the technology. To learn more about how our fleet dash cams and telematics solutions can support your fleet and drivers, contact us here.