OTA Dispatch Issue 3, 2021

36 Oregon Trucking Associations, Inc. Oregon Truck Dispatch On-Board Camera Systems in Trucks By AdamWilliamson, OTA’s Director of Training & Development ONE OF THE EMERGING technologies in trucking that has increasingly seen positive benefits is the installation and use of on-board camera systems. While cameras have not yet been broadly mandated (like Electronic Logging Devices), more and more carriers are still finding great value in the technology. They have become an “exhibit A” example of how consumers will use a product voluntarily once its worth has been demonstrated. There are quantifiable advantages to having your fleet outfitted with them. One of the most obvious benefits of cameras is their ability to visually document evidence in vehicle crashes. When crashes occur, things like fault and preventability are frequently disputed and the matter can easily end up in litigation. Cameras that successfully capture video of the accident can often largely eliminate these disputes by establishing clear fault by one of the parties (the camera does not lie!). Often this works in favor of the carrier, but even in cases where their driver may have been shown to be at fault, it still often prevents drawn out litigation scenarios that can be even more expensive. Studies have shown that having even just one of your drivers vindicated by camera footage after a crash can essentially pay for the original cost of the cameras. Another benefit of cameras is that they greatly enhance a carrier’s ability to monitor and train drivers. As most drivers spend much of their time on the road and not under direct supervision, it has historically been difficult for carriers to manage them as they do other employees. Often the only time you could identify a problem was after a driver received a citation or was involved in a crash. Cameras change this dynamic and enable carriers to get a better sense of what is going on day to day behind the wheel. Especially when combined with other tracking technologies (that report excessive speeding or hard breaking events), carriers can now identify poor driver behaviors and intervene before more serious consequences occur. Eventually, cameras can also play a crucial role in helping to lower your insurance premiums. While most insurance providers do not offer a lower rate simply for installing cameras on your vehicles, when your safety history begins to improve, you can certainly see your rates also improve over time. One of the common challenges associated with implementing camera use is that drivers are often less than enthusiastic about the change (some seem to view cameras as “spy cams” that will invade their privacy). At least some of these concerns can be alleviated by only having outward facing cameras on the vehicles. Sharing real stories of drivers who have been vindicated by cameras after an accident can also go a long way toward getting your other drivers on board. The bottom line is that data overwhelmingly shows how camaras have a measurable impact on improving safety and reducing overall operation costs associated with accidents and driver violations. Even if they are not currently mandated, it has become a best industry practice to have each of your vehicles outfitted with at least one (if not multiple) cameras. They are an excellent investment for your fleet’s safety program. Contact OTA if you need assistance with creating a safety policy for your organization. Email safety@ortrucking.org. SAFETY One of the most obvious benefits of cameras is their ability to visually document evidence in vehicle crashes. When crashes occur, things like fault and preventability are frequently disputed and the matter can easily end up in litigation.