Into the Clouds:
In our previous article, we discussed how dashcams can be a worthwhile investment for transportation companies that want to improve driver safety. Before diving in and selecting a dashcam, it’s important to understand how they work, as there is a wide range available on the market.
More than just a clever name
Dashcams, short for dashboard cameras, are also sometimes referred to as ‘in-car cameras.’ In either case, these devices get their names from the fact that they are installed either onto the dashboard or the windscreen of the vehicle.
Powered through a 12v power source or hardwired to the vehicle’s battery, dashcams are built to continually record imagery and audio as you are driving. The cameras generally film in segments of a few minutes in length with the recordings being loaded onto an SD card, which can then be transferred to a computer. Alternatively, some dashcams with cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity can transmit the recordings to the cloud for backup.
Dashcams for fleet keep drivers offer additional features
As dashcams have become popular for both private and commercial purposes, there is a wide range of models available. Depending on the size and type of the business, some transportation companies will likely want to use a dashcam that has been designed for fleets.
With advanced features like a live stream that enables dispatch to monitor the status of a trip in real-time or incident sensors that automatically detect unsafe driving events, dashcams for fleets can play an important role in day-to-day operations by keeping drivers and management better connected.
Peace of mind for your business
While the types of dashcams and their features can range significantly, they can all help to protect your business by increasing visibility, accountability and security. Here are a few specific ways that dashcams can benefit your fleet:
1. Provide evidence for fraud or accidents- Likely the most common reason for installing a dashcam is for peace of mind. Dashcam footage provides evidence of the event of an accident or incident on the road. With big fleets, it can be challenging to identify fraud or who was at fault in an accident. Evidence from dashcams can help to mitigate disputes, helping to resolve issues quicker and save money on legal fees.
2. Prevent insurance increases- Although many insurance companies in Canada do not offer a discount for installing a dashcam, dashcam footage can help prevent your premiums from increasing by:
a. Reducing false claims and fraud
b. Reducing accident rates
c. Aiding you in disputing speeding tickets
d. Determining who was at fault for a collision
3. Encourage safe driving- As discussed in our previous post, dashcams help fleet managers flag and fix poor driving behaviours. This has proven to boost driver safety significantly. Dashcams offer a sense of accountability in addition to getting to the root of the problem for more targeted driver training.
4. Ensure maximum vehicle security- In the case of many fleet companies, drivers are often driving for very long stretches of time with rest stops along the way. Many dashcams can track movement and record any illegal behaviour or theft, even when the vehicle is parked. This provides peace of mind for the driver and can help the authorities quickly recover vehicles should they be stolen.
Find the dashcam solution that works for your business
Depending on the size of your fleet and the type of business you operate, you may not need the most advanced dashcam on the market. Even basic models can add value to your daily operations by giving you real-time insight into what’s happening on the road. Most dashcams are quick to install and simple to use so the main thing is to find one that works for you and your fleet. The peace of mind is worth it!