Camera acceptance on trucks has been a challenging fit. According to Transport Topics, transparency, and Privacy features will help with acceptance. They are pushing for these cameras to push for safety. The success of the camera system depends on drivers. They are at the center of it all. They must accept it before anything goes forward.
Will the drivers accept?
The big question is whether the drivers will accept this technology. Fleets and other tech providers are looking for ways to get the drivers' support and protect their Privacy. Fleets must be open with the drivers. They must come up front and be open to the use and benefits of these systems. To sell this idea to drivers, they need their trust. With the drivers' trust, the chances of succeeding with these new changes will be higher.
How important are the cameras?
A good example is Tucker Freight Lines. They have installed these cameras in their fleet. The first set is road-facing cameras, and the other set is driver-facing cameras. All these cameras are part of the firm's corrective action plan. These cameras proved to be quite vital back in 2018. They helped exonerate a driver at a scene. They have helped them convince drivers of how the cameras are helpful. They protect the drivers in situations where their word is not enough.
Having a camera on a scene changes how an officer writes a report. The report will be based on facts. So, the quicker the fleet gets and shares the video, the quicker they resolve issues on a scene. Such dismissals are the drivers' turning point. It is then easier to sell the idea of having these cameras. Then, the drivers now become the voice of the product. They start to advocate for it—these cameras also alert drivers, helping them avoid trouble. If the drivers buy into the idea, selling to the rest of the fleets will be easier.
How do these Cameras Work?
Transparency about how the cameras work and their benefits is the key to selling this idea to drivers. The primary use of these cameras is safety, and Privacy is taken care of. The priority is to ensure truckers are safe. The video is only triggered by some events. It is different from streaming. Fleets are not in any way spying on the drivers. The primary purpose is to protect the drivers.
Coaching will be needed to show how the cameras promote safety. The drivers cause most road incidents; being shown how to avoid them will help minimize such accidents. Fleets must take their time to educate all drivers on the importance of dash-cams. Most cameras have privacy mode and, therefore, can be turned off when the drivers stop to rest. The cameras turn on again while on the move or at certain speeds.
A survey already shows that dash-cams have no impact on retaining drivers, which is quite encouraging. Therefore, fleets should not fear implementing the cameras. They should educate the drivers on their importance. The cameras can bail them out of situations that words or reports cannot.
