The Ultimate Guide to Dash Cameras for Trucks: Types, Benefits, and Features

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Technology is transforming the transportation industry by enabling fleet optimization and improving efficiency and driver safety.

One powerful tool that’s revolutionizing fleet management is dash cameras for trucks. These devices enhance safety, elevate driver experience, and simplify fleet operations.

This article delves into the myriad benefits of truck dash cams, including key features to look for, legal considerations, and strategies to maximize the technology’s potential.

Dash cams, or dash cameras, give truck drivers and fleet managers enhanced control over fleet safety.

These devices come equipped with features that boost visibility, minimize accidents, and cut down on collision costs. Serving as an irrefutable eyewitness, a dash cam captures video evidence of accidents and driving hazards, helping to keep fleets safe and exonerating not-at-fault drivers.

Dash cameras are usually powered by the vehicle’s electrical systems. They can either activate automatically when the ignition is started or be manually controlled by drivers or fleet managers.

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Dash cams in trucks provide safety and fleet managers with greater oversight of overall fleet safety.

By integrating dash cam video with fleet management software, managers gain valuable insights into driver behaviors such as hard braking, sharp cornering, rapid acceleration, and speeding.

In the trucking industry, dash cam footage is commonly utilized to reveal events leading up to, during, and following incidents on the road. This footage mitigates the risks associated with relying on human memory or conflicting accounts.

Image: Kocchi’s Truck LTE Dashcam

Video evidence helps authorities determine fault in accidents, while insurance companies and courts use it to decide liability and damages.

For fleets, incident video can be pivotal in exonerating drivers and avoiding excessive verdicts.

Also, Dash cameras are instrumental in improving driver behavior through real-time feedback and coaching. This leads to safer driving practices and reduced accidents.

Storage – When considering dash cam storage options, it is crucial to examine both where and how long the footage is stored.

The primary choices are cloud storage or memory cards (such as micro SD cards).

Cloud storage typically offers a high-volume capacity, reducing limitations related to storage space, whereas memory cards are constrained by their specific storage limits.

An essential advantage of connecting dash cams to cloud storage is the elimination of manual retrieval.

Internet-connected truck dash cams can be configured to back up recordings automatically on a set schedule. This setup allows drivers to seamlessly send important videos to the back office as needed.

Mounting Options – When it comes to mounting dash cams, there are various installation methods, including suction cups and adhesives.

Adhesive mounts are often a preferred option as they provide quick, easy, and secure installations.

Your investment in dash cam technology will only be worthwhile if your drivers can easily set up and install the devices.

Adhesive attachments offer a high-quality and reliable solution, ensuring that the dash cams are firmly and securely installed, making them a popular choice for many users.

Multi-camera Connection – Multi-camera truck dash cams offer a complete 360° view of the vehicle, significantly enhancing driver safety and protecting their commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs).

This comprehensive setup allows drivers to fully monitor their surroundings, reducing blind-spot collisions and providing visibility into the vehicle’s interior.

The most common options of cameras are side view cameras and rear view camera.

Video Resolution – To effectively monitor both the road and the cab (with a dual-facing option), having a clear view is essential. The video resolution significantly impacts your ability to identify people and objects in the footage.

Truck dash cams equipped with a wide dynamic range (WDR) and wide-angle lenses offering HD resolutions ensure you capture all crucial details with clarity.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has brought significant advancements to truck dash cam technology, offering a multitude of benefits for truck operations.

AI-powered truck dash cams utilize real-time data to analyze both road conditions and driver behavior, providing a comprehensive overview of driving safety.

Accident Prevention:
By leveraging AI and advanced computer vision algorithms, these dash cams can detect unsafe driving behaviors and notify drivers of potential risks. This proactive approach helps reduce distracted driving and prevent accidents on the road.

Image: Drivers caught on camera using handheld mobile phone

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS):
Nearly 93% of car accidents are attributed to human error, with distracted driving standing out as one of the primary causes. However, thanks to technological advancements, automotive manufacturers have started incorporating a feature known as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Image: Mark each cars with the distance via AI

It is a system designed to warn drivers in crucial road situations. Using artificial intelligence, it monitors the vehicle’s surroundings, detects potential threats, and delivers real-time notifications to keep the driver stay aware and cautious.

Focused Coaching and Training:
AI analysis of dash cam footage enables fleets to tailor their coaching and training efforts more effectively.

Trainers can view the same footage as the drivers, allowing for a consistent and detailed review of driving behavior.

This capability ensures that even when not on the road with the drivers, trainers can use the dash cam footage to identify and address unsafe habits, improving overall driver performance.

When installing a truck dash camera, proper placement is crucial.

The best positions are typically at the top center of the windshield or to the side of the rearview mirror.

Ensure that the installation does not obstruct the driver’s view. Start by cleaning the windshield to remove any debris. Press the camera firmly against the windshield for at least 15 seconds to secure a strong attachment.

Verify that the camera is positioned correctly and is functioning as intended.

You may need to connect wiring to integrate the dash cam with your fleet management safety technology or power source.

Investing in a durable dash cam is essential for reliability. Consider heavy-duty or extreme-duty models, and those with IP68-rated cases, ensuring they are waterproof and dustproof.

Maintain a clean windshield and keep your wiper blades in good condition to preserve clear image quality.

If your truck dash cam uses a memory card, ensure the cards are properly formatted and have sufficient storage space. Keeping the dash cam’s firmware updated is equally important.

Don’t delay installing updates sent by the manufacturer, as these are designed to fix bugs and enhance features.

Ready to choose a commercial truck dash camera systems for enhancing safety, security, and accountability for your truck or fleet?

From backup cameras required by regulations to driver-facing cameras that mitigate liability, truck camera systems play a crucial role in modern trucking operations.

Whether you’re retrofitting a single dash camera or exploring advanced event intelligence technology capabilities, understanding the various aspects of truck cameras can help you make informed decisions and improve overall safety within your fleet.

Kocchi’s product manager Eason brings his technical expertise to help explain vehicle safety products in an easy to understand fashion. Eason loves sharing his knowledge of the vehicle camera system and technology insights. He is the part of Kocchi’s team that knows ‘all the things’. He’s good at sharing his technical knowledge so you can benefit. BTW, he is an avid Lego fan!