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Digital Dashboard Cameras – The Added Benefits leading to their Acceptance

Photo of dash camera

Digital technology is steadily becoming an ever-larger part of our daily lives. The ability to capture images digitally and then wireless transmit those images to friends and family has made companies like Apple and Facebook darlings of Wall Street and profitable beyond imagination. We can now remotely control home appliances and utilities from digital devices. Simple voice command will tell virtual assistants (such as Alexa) to play the music of our choice, help us create shopping lists or get news updates.

In our industry, digital dashboard cameras seem destined to follow Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) as the next technology to become standard in truck cabs.

The race to install digital cameras is on.

Tech companies everywhere are presenting the advantages of video technology to fleet managers and drivers. Initially, most truckers looked at this technology as a way for Big Brother to invade the sanctity of their cab. Some saw it as a violation of the solitude and independence associated with the life of the trucker. That concern, however, quickly melted away as more and more drivers experienced the benefits of having dashboard cameras in their trucks.

Increased safety and liability protection is winning over skeptics

The benefits related to safety and liability are replacing the apprehensions pertaining to dashboard cameras. Video evidence is now available when traffic accidents or fender benders occur that can collaborate the driver’s claim as to “who’s at fault.”  “The equipment is there to help them and protect the company,” states John Haverstick, safety manager for  Miller Expedited Freight Inc, of Indianapolis. He added, “My drivers really don’t have an issue with dashboard cameras.”

The cameras can record either the road or both the road AND the cab.  From a safety perspective, the camera can alert the driver and fleet manager of unsafe driving habits such as following a vehicle too closely, or drowsiness or texting while driving.

Cameras can also be used for training purposes. Videos can show drivers how to avoid hard braking, sudden accelerations, and sharp turns. They can also detect rolling stops and read speed limits.  Combined with GPS, the devices identify the location of the truck while on the road. This digital tracking allows for better estimates of arrival time.

As digital technologies become an ever-bigger part of our business, DriverSource remains committed to providing well-trained, certified CDL drivers that match the logistics needs of transportation companies across the country. And, our drivers are trained in the latest technologies related to D.O.T. compliance and safety.

Bill D for DriverSource