Fleet dashcams and video features for safety

If you’re seeking a fleet camera solution, the range of choice – from live streaming and on-demand video to infrared and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) – is extensive. Not to mention AI dashcam options that utilise Artificial Intelligence to further enhance safety measures and boost fleet efficiency through integration with comprehensive fleet management software.

This article is aimed at those prioritising fleet safety.

What are fleet dashcams?

Fleet dashcams are advanced types of dashboard cameras that go beyond the capabilities of standard dashcams. These devices are equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, enabling them to record not only video footage of the vehicle’s surroundings but also capture and document the geographical location and speed of the vehicle. This GPS feature is integral for providing detailed information about each recorded event. For instance, it can pinpoint the exact location of an incident on a map, offering a comprehensive view of what happened and where.

Beyond mere location tracking, GPS dashcams are instrumental in analysing driving patterns and route history. They play a crucial role in fleet management, particularly in tracking vehicle movements and ensuring efficient route planning. The integration of these dashcams with telematics systems adds a more complex layer to fleet safety and security, offering a multi-dimensional view of fleet operations.

These dashcams continuously capture video footage, but they are designed to alert fleet managers only during critical incidents, such as accidents. This selective notification system is key in allowing managers to prioritise and address significant events promptly, ensuring that necessary actions are taken swiftly. The footage captured is invaluable in safeguarding two of a business’s most precious resources: the drivers and their vehicles. By providing essential insights into every aspect of a journey, fleet dashcams significantly enhance the protection of drivers and contribute to the overall efficiency and safety of business operations. They are not just recording devices; they are essential tools in managing the various risks associated with fleet operations.

What are the benefits of dashcams?

When investing in fleet dash cameras, managers are faced with a difficult question: is it worth the cost? These devices have the ability to capture real-time footage of road dynamics and reveal valuable insights about driver behaviour, accident occurrences, and road conditions. However, before making a decision about whether or not to buy these cameras, managers need to consider many important factors.

One of the key factors managers need to consider when investing in fleet dash cameras is the potential return on investment (ROI). While the upfront cost of purchasing and installing these cameras can be significant, they can lead to cost savings and improved operational efficiency in the long run. Here are some factors to take into account when assessing the ROI:

1. Evidence in Unforeseen Situations

Dashcams offer real-time footage of accidents or incidents, which is crucial for liability and investigation purposes. They protect against false claims, resolving disputes and reducing legal complications.

2. Monitoring Driver Behaviour

These devices enable the analysis of driver behaviour, including speeding and harsh braking. Poor driving habits can be identified and addressed, improving safety and reducing the risk of accidents.

3. Implementing Preventative Measures

Dashcams act as a deterrent for reckless driving and promote responsible behaviour. They foster a culture of accountability among drivers.

4. Insurance Benefits

Fleets equipped with dashcams often receive insurance discounts for mitigating risks. They expedite the claims process, leading to faster settlements.

5. Addressing Rising Accident Rates

Dashcams are essential for protecting fleets against fraudulent claims and ensuring accurate incident reporting.

6. Lowering Insurance Premiums

Demonstrating a commitment to safety with dashcams may potentially lead to lower insurance premiums. Insurers view them as a proactive measure to reduce accidents and claims.

7. Verifying Claims

Dashcams provide objective accounts of events, clarifying unverifiable claims. This helps reduce financial losses and protect the fleet’s reputation.

8. Supporting Environmental Commitments

Dashcams monitor driver behaviour for fuel-efficient practices, supporting environmental goals.

9. Enhancing Driver Retention

Offering security and fairness, dashcams enhance driver retention. They protect drivers from false accusations, building trust.

10. Improving Safety and Reducing Accidents

Dashcams encourage safer driving habits, resulting in decreased accidents and injuries. Visual feedback aids in self-correction and improves fleet safety.

11. Financial and Operational Efficiency

Dashcams streamline accident management, reducing costs and downtime. They expedite claims handling and provide accurate evidence for efficient processes.

12. Support for Claims, Legal Aid, and Compliance

Dashcams serve as valuable evidence in legal proceedings. They help resolve disputes, avoid litigation, and minimise financial losses.

13. Fleet Management and Driver Development

Dashcams offer insights into driver behaviour for targeted training and coaching. They promote continuous improvement and compliance with industry regulations.

How do fleet dashcams work?

Fleet dashcams are sophisticated devices designed to enhance vehicle safety and monitoring. Here’s how they function:

• Starting the Recording: The dashcams begin recording video once the vehicle’s engine is turned on and it’s in motion. They operate using power from the vehicle batteries, connected through a wired setup. This design ensures the cameras only record when necessary, avoiding unnecessary battery drain.
• Capturing Risky Driving Events: Equipped with AI-connected sensors, these dashcams continuously record high-definition (HD) footage while the vehicle is moving. They are capable of capturing clear quality video both during the day and at night, thanks to infrared LEDs. The wide-angle lenses on the cameras, facing both the road and the driver, ensure comprehensive coverage of driving events.
• Saving Footage and Data to the Cloud: The HD footage, along with alert data, is uploaded to the cloud. This allows for the storage of driver journey footage and alerting data, making them accessible to fleet managers at any time for review and analysis.
• Reviewing Footage: Fleet managers can review the pictures and videos via their preferred platform. When new video footage is available, they receive alerts and can watch or download it directly from the platform. Netstar also presents the dashcam footage alongside GPS data, providing context about the driver’s identity, their speed, and location during the recording.

How do you select the best dashcam for your fleet and vehicles?

The ideal dashcam for fleet vehicles provides an effective solution for enhancing fleet safety and optimising fleet management through its integration with an all-in-one fleet management software.

• High-quality Video Resolution: The video quality of a dashcam is paramount. Opt for dashcams offering high-definition (HD) or ultra-high-definition (UHD) recordings to ensure clear and detailed footage, essential for accurate event analysis, especially in challenging light conditions.
• Wide Field of View: A dashcam with a wide field of view (FOV) is ideal as it captures a broader area of the road, reducing blind spots. A wide-angle lens, ideally with a FOV of 140 degrees or more, is recommended for comprehensive coverage.
• Night Vision Capabilities: Considering that accidents can occur at any time, a dashcam with night vision is essential. Technologies like infrared sensors or low-light sensors significantly enhance visibility in dark conditions, ensuring round-the-clock protection.
• Ample Storage and Loop Recording: Continuous recording requires substantial storage. Choose dashcams with large internal storage or those supporting external memory cards. Loop recording, which overwrites the oldest footage when storage is full, ensures the most recent recordings are always available.
• GPS Tracking: GPS-enabled dashcams offer valuable insights into vehicle location, speed, and route history, vital for effective fleet management and operational optimisation.
• Impact and Event Detection: Select dashcams with built-in impact and event detection technology. This feature ensures crucial footage is saved and locked during abrupt movements or collisions, preserving vital evidence.
  
  

Additional Features:

• HD Video and Night Vision: Ensure crystal-clear footage under all conditions.
• Cloud Storage: Opt for dashcams capable of storing hours of footage with streaming or downloading options.
• Privacy by Design: Customisable settings and setup for privacy compliance are essential.
• AI Capabilities: AI and machine vision identify risky and unsafe driving behaviours.
• Real-time In-cab Alerts: Increase safety with immediate driver feedback.
• Driver Coaching: Utilise comprehensive coaching workflows to change driver behaviours.
• Comprehensive Reporting: Dashcams should offer detailed analysis and reporting capabilities, integrated with telematics.

Conclusion

In summary, the best fleet dashcams are those that not only provide high-quality footage and reliable performance under various conditions, but also integrate seamlessly with fleet management systems to offer a holistic approach to fleet safety and efficiency.

Fleet dashcams have emerged as a crucial tool in modern fleet management, providing comprehensive insights and enhancements in vehicle safety and operational efficiency.

When choosing the right fleet dashcam, several key characteristics should be considered, including high video quality, ample storage capacity, GPS tracking, and a wide field of view. The integration of dashcams with fleet management systems amplifies their value, allowing for seamless data analysis and enhanced fleet safety. This integration provides fleet managers with comprehensive and actionable insights, aiding in decision-making and operational optimisation.