In-cab cameras continue to split truck drivers. On the one hand, supporters argue that cameras can safeguard drivers from being held responsible for an accident caused by another car. Others, on the other hand, see them as an invasion of privacy. Is there, however, a happy medium?
Brandon Buckley, a Netradyne product manager, joined FreightWaves NOW to give a fresh take on in-cab cameras, detailing how the appropriate technology can improve fleet safety and driver happiness.
“A lot of what’s happening in the industry today is that drivers are used to vehicles without in-cab cameras, but then the fleet decides to install in-cab cameras, and it feels like they’re giving up a sense of freedom where their privacy is violated,” Buckley said, acknowledging why some drivers are wary of constant monitoring. “I believe it is critical to emphasize openness to provide visibility into what the camera is truly detecting.”
Driveri, a Netradyne fleet safety solution, uses advanced AI to recognize signs, signals, pedestrians, and other things in real-time, contextualizing each safety incident. Its cameras convert visual data into performance measurements that fleets can use to reward excellent driving behavior and pinpoint areas where they may improve.
Adoption is much easier once drivers understand the cameras’ goals, primarily when fleets use safety metrics to offer safety bonuses. Punishment-based education, according to Buckley, is the most rudimentary kind of incentive, which many in the trucking industry rely on.
He went on to say that rather than singling drivers for punishment, the most flexible and streamlined form of coaching is to empower them to be part of the solution. By evaluating critical events, video data, and intra-fleet rankings, Netradyne’s mobile app allows drivers to self-coach their driving.
Everyone, according to Buckley, has a natural desire to win, which is why Netradyne’s gamification of driver safety has successfully inspired drivers to participate. The ability to view how they’re doing compared to other drivers in the fleet anonymously gives drivers a much-needed standard for what’s expected of them when hauling for your company.
“[Drivers] want a camera that can accurately portray what they’re seeing on the roads, not only identifying the bad, but detecting the bad, the good, and making sure they’re always in compliance,” Buckley added.
“The alternative is to rely on the back office and safety management to call in drivers anytime the camera captures anything, but that’s not a very scalable option for ensuring fleet safety,” he added. “We like to engage and empower drivers by providing them with the tools they need to succeed, as well as working with fleets to provide the necessary incentives.”
Netradyne’s fleet safety solutions have been credited with lowering distracted driving by 60%, improving following distance by 76%, and assisting 90% of fleets in enhancing compliance.
Adopting such technology isn’t inexpensive, but it’s a reasonable investment given the potential benefits. According to Buckley, the cost of a single truck collision, without casualties, is roughly $155,000. But it’s nothing compared to what’s at stake when lives are lost because safety isn’t prioritized. The opportunity cost is essential to consider.
When speaking with motor carriers trying to improve performance, Buckley added that many had chosen advanced safety cameras over other high-tech alternatives such as electrified vehicles. It’s the best thing they’ve done for their fleet, they say since it saves lives at the end of the day.
