Dash Cams

I've noticed there seems to be an increase in the use of dash cams in personal motor vehicles. Does there seem to be a corresponding increase as well in Class 8 trucks? Does anyone have any experience with companies that have policies regarding the use of, or prohibiting the use of, dash cams and cameras mounted that look backwards down each side of the trailer? I've seen systems where you can basically set up a series of cameras that cover all four spaces around the semi-truck and even record to a DVR and everything runs off the DC volt system.

Personal thoughts on using dash cams? Initially, it seems like a fairly good idea for self protection. I've watched a couple of You Tube videos where if it had not been for the video recording, it would have essentially been a he said/she said situation. Plus I've read some articles where individual(s) will stage accidents with big trucks to get an insurance payoff. There may be some negatives to using cameras but it sure seems there are many positives, especially during the current environment of protecting one's CSA and CDL. I imagine video could also be used to dispute erroneous/false information on a DAC report.

I've not heard of any companies that have company installed cameras on their company trucks. Anyone have info on that?

I thought about dash cams after a near 3-way collision today. Someone in an Escalade was taking their time getting around my truck on the interstate. Meanwhile, on my right hand side there is a highway patrol car getting on the interstate from an on ramp.

Dave

I have the 4 sight brand it works quite well,some companies are installing their own,that record the driver also.

as for the Smokey he had a yield sign and to us is no more than a motorist with a badge,as most of them say its just a job well its just a law to yield also.

Chief, Lots of companies are starting to put in cameras on their trucks for liability reasons and they can get a lower insurance rate. Some people are adamant that they are infringing on their rights or privacy and others think they are a good thing because if I am a safe a prudent driver, the camera will show that. I am researching a camera for personal use (truck or car) and will be more than happy to have a company instal DriveCam or whatever system in the truck they assign me. Big Brother or CYA - give me that CYA so I can continue to earn a living and have evidence for the LEO or legal beagle that I was not doing anything wrong. Just my .02.

By the way, that Chief wouldn't come from being a Navy CPO, would it?

Just took the time to look at your profile and answered my own question. Birds of a similar feather.

Just took the time to look at your profile and answered my own question. Birds of a similar feather.

Yep, seems so Larry ;).

I'm pretty much on-board with your line of thinking. I like the idea of the camera system on the dash looking forward and mounted to outside rear view mirrors to record down the sides of the trailer. That's pretty good CYA in my opinion.

I don't really care for the idea of a camera monitoring the inside of the cab. That may be going just a bit too far and see no reason for it for insurance purposes (other than to prove the driver wasn't doing something that contributed to an accident). I believe the outside looking cameras would be sufficient. You should be able to tell from those whether or not a vehicle movement was induced by the driver. I suppose this could be a touchy subject but I've not heard or seen much on it in the industry. That's why I was asking others what their experiences have been and what their thoughts on the subject are.

I have the 4 sight brand it works quite well,some companies are installing their own,that record the driver also.

I've seen some of those. The basic units that attach to the window or visor, correct?

So you're stating that some companies are installing cameras in trucks that record the driver. Care to share? Curious to know which ones are doing that.

That's funny. Somehow my response got inside the quotes. See below.

I've seen some of those. The basic units that attach to the window or visor, correct?

So you're stating that some companies are installing cameras in trucks that record the driver. Care to share? Curious to know which ones are doing that.

That may be going just a bit too far and see no reason for it for insurance purposes (other than to prove the driver wasn't doing something that contributed to an accident).

That is THE reason for the inside camera; a lawyer will try to say that you were distracted. The inside camera may prove or disprove the allegation. Most company cameras (from my research) are triggered by an event like hard breaking, lane departure, exceeding G limits, etc and record X seconds prior to Y seconds after.

While it is only a few companies now, I think it will be like e-logs. If it can improve the bottom line (less successful litigation and reduced insurance cost) then it will become the norm for competitive reasons.

The inside camera may prove or disprove the allegation.

I agree with your statement, which is exactly why I would think companies should not want a camera recording inside the cab. If a driver was distracted (phone, texting, radio, etc. which we know happens) now there is irrefutable proof it was the driver's fault (or at least contributed to the situation). From a lawyer's point of view I wouldn't want video existing that could prove my driver was at fault.

I see more negative than good for the company on inside cab cameras. Just my opinion though.

I have heard of the systems you're referring to, that only record when certain events occur (G-shocks, hard braking). I'm thinking more along the lines of cameras that are running 24/7, even when you're shutdown (especially when you may be sleeping in the berth or inside eating/showering).

Someone whacks your rig while you're eating dinner and doesn't have the nerve to hang around or leave a note, at least now it's on video.

Personally I think having a dash cam pointing out the windshield is an outstanding idea and I am 100% certain I would have one if I were still out there driving today. It's an excellent way to protect yourself.