Why use Dash-Cams on commercial vehicles? (KBC)
- Reduces Accident Frequency
- Proven Reduction to Loss Ratios
- Improved Driving Behavior, Increased Fuel Economy
- Defend Against Driving Offense Allegations
- Alleviates Whiplash/Personal Injury Claims
- Added Security & Theft Deterrent
- Increased Speed of Claim Resolution
- Possible Reduction in Insurance Premiums
Accidents Don’t Just Happen
Accidents happen quickly, and sometimes it is difficult for a driver to recall the actual chain of events that led up to them — especially if he or she is injured or shook up. Statements about the accident are never the same. And, of course, no one wants to admit fault. Dash cams simply record the facts and their data may help a driver avoid charges, reduce a charge or reveal information that may be useful in court. Even if it does not go his or her way, dash cams record the true story so justice can be served and hopefully your driver will not be unfairly blamed.
Fraud Prevention
Insurance fraud is very common. Commercial and high-end vehicles are often the targets of “crash-for-cash” scams, because their owners undoubtedly have deep pockets and insurance. In some situations, the fraudulent driver may try to extort cash from your driver in return for not reporting the incident. If this happens to one of your drivers, both the company and the driver will have undisputable video evidence to prove the driver’s innocence.
An Objective Witness
Sometimes drivers are stopped for a traffic violation they did not commit or ticketed for doing something they did not do. This is especially true at intersections where traffic cams are installed, and they don’t take into consideration extenuating circumstances such as traffic stopping or slowing as a vehicle enters an intersection. Having a dash cam can help a driver prevent unfounded traffic violations and help to prove his or her innocence when ticketed, which could affect the company’s insurance rates and the driver’s record.
Driver Reviews and Education
Drivers can review their daily driving footage to become better drivers. Fleet and safety managers can use the recordings to educate the driver about his or her driving habits. For example, after watching some of the recordings the driver or fleet manager may realize that the driver has a tendency to tailgate, drive too fast for conditions or abruptly change lanes without realizing it. Installing a camera in a vehicle may not improve individual driving skills, but will often help to make the driver more conscious of how he or she is driving.
In cab cameras can be used to record inside the vehicle if a fleet manager feels it is necessary to ensure that drivers are following company policies and other information about the driver’s actions and behavior. For example, is the driver using a cell phone, texting or becoming distracted while driving? Is he or she polite and courteous to other drivers or angry and aggressive? All this type of information can be valuable when trying to find out why a driver has multiple accidents or whether or not a driver has to be relieved of company driving privileges.
Out of Sight (Personal Use)
When you allow your drivers to take their vehicles home at night, you’re permitting them to use the vehicles for personal use. Without a dash camera or GPS tracking device installed, you have no idea how others are treating your property. Once it’s out of your sight, what really goes on? Having a dash camera installed enables you to see (and sometimes hear) exactly what happens after hours. Viewing the camera footage will enable fleet managers to know exactly where the vehicle was and how it was treated. If the dash camera has built-in GPS, managers will also be able to see the route that was driven, how fast the vehicle was traveling and where it was parked.
