Dashcams are becoming increasingly popular among fleet operators in the UK as a way to improve safety, reduce liability, and improve fleet management. Some fleets use dashcams as part of a broader telematics solution, which can also include GPS tracking and other data-gathering tools.
Pros:
- Dashcams can provide evidence in the event of a collision or other incident, helping to establish fault and potentially reducing liability for the fleet operator.
- Dashcams can also be used to monitor driver behaviour and identify any unsafe practices, allowing for targeted training and coaching to improve safety.
- Some dashcams include features like GPS tracking and telematics data, which can be used to improve fleet management and efficiency.
Cons:
- Dashcams can be costly to install and maintain, particularly for a large fleet.
- There are privacy concerns surrounding the use of dashcams, particularly with regard to the recording and storage of footage of individuals.
- It may also be seen as an invasion of driver privacy.
- Fleet operators will also have to ensure they comply with relevant laws and regulations, such as those related to data protection and surveillance.
- Incorrectly/illegally positioned Dashcams can obstruct the driver’s view.
Verizon Connect has introduced its new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Dashcam. The new solution uses advanced AI for real-time detection of potentially dangerous driving events and to boost driver safety.
The Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) helps to monitor tailgating, pedestrians and cyclists, while the Driver-Monitoring System (DMS) tracks distracted driving, phone usage, fatigue and more. These deliver enhanced insights into dangerous events for fleet managers and give drivers real-time, in-cab coaching alerts during high-risk driving behaviours.
The latest data from Verizon Connect shows video technology is fast rising up the agenda for operators. Its 2023 Fleet Technology Trends Report found the transportation industry has been a leading adopter of video technology over the last three years, with 70% of those surveyed using it to improve driver safety. Another 68% use it to protect their businesses from false claims and 44% have adopted it to reduce accidents.
How AI dashcams work
The AI in the camera sees potential danger and immediately sends the driver an audible alert. The driver can quickly refocus or safely adjust their behaviour.
A video of the event is uploaded to the cloud for analysis. The cloud AI classifies the video based on severity and tags other risky behaviours, like a stop-sign violation.
After a risky driving event is uploaded, a notification is sent to a manager, who can review the footage and decide if safety coaching is needed. The video is available to download for 90 days.
Verizon’s cloud-based AI manages video data to generate useful insights and footage is automatically analysed for severity and tagged with context, showing fleet managers what is important and actionable to improve driver safety. Users can automatically send video footage of the incidents to the platform so that it can be reviewed by the appropriate people and managers. Managers can also use reckless driving footage to coach and discuss safety habits.
“The new AI Dashcam includes advanced features that are designed to boost safety and provide greater insight for fleet managers,” said Erin Cave, Verizon Connect director of product management. “The new technology provides a significant step to help our customers future-proof their fleets.”
Whatever solution a fleet has in place for monitoring and evaluating driver risk, it’s important to act on the insights it provides. Where the driver is shown to have been at fault in an incident, or if their driving indicates risky behaviour, as an employer, it is crucial that you take action to improve the driver’s safety, through additional monitoring or through training.
