Fleet Dashcam Buyer's Guide

To choose a fleet dashboard camera, purchasers should compare performance specifications, ease of use, features, and compatibility with the rest of their telematics and OEM vehicle technology. Features and specifications to look for include:

• Dashboard camera: resolution, contrast, unit size
• Memory: capture, automatic save, uploading
• Integration: compatibility with other hardware and software

Fleet dashcam video resolution should be at least 1080 pixels. Image resolution can make a difference in situations such as a traffic collision because a sharp video can show license plate numbers more legibly, as well as other data that may provide evidence in a potential legal dispute. Night-time image and video recording quality are important so you can see details accurately during low visibility.

Most dashboard cameras are set up to record continuously, activating automatically when the driver starts the vehicle’s engine. Almost every dashboard camera re-records or loops its data: when the memory card is full, the device overwrites the oldest files to make room for what it is recording.

While forward-facing dash cams watch the road ahead, dual dash cams can watch the road ahead and the driver, and 360 degree cameras watch the road ahead, both sides of the vehicle and the driver. When deciding which technology is right for your trucks it is important to think about why you are purchasing the technology. If you want to protect your business from false insurance claims then forward facing cameras will probably meet your requirements, but if you’re looking to monitor driver behavior and implement training programs, dual facing cameras would provide the tools needed. Large vehicles that operate in areas with high traffic congestion have an increased need for 360-degree cameras in order to avoid the increased amount of traffic, pedestrians and cyclists.

AI features are evolving and provide a depth of driver behavior data that isn’t available through telematics systems, including information around distracted driving, seat belt violations, driver fatigue, and traffic light violations. AI camera software has the ability to continually learn and as more data is collected you get access to more insights, future proofing your investment. If one of your main goals is to coach drivers and improve safety AI is the way to go.

If you’re looking to maximize the value of your truck dash cams it is critical that the technology has a reporting engine that supports your needs. Whether you’re looking to create scorecards to support driver coaching or build driver behavior league tables, having the ability to easily access the data from your dash cams is key. Advanced platforms have pre-configured driver scorecards and league tables that are automatically populated by the driving events recorded by the camera system.

As dash cam units available to the consumer at Big Box stores and Amazon become ever more sophisticated, fleet managers may wonder: why not just use the same technology used by commuters and in family cars?

The answer is simple: top truck dash cam manufacturers know what the industry needs. With so many features available in truck dash cam equipment, it's likely that you will have to decide whether to purchase one that has the most desirable features, the best features for your truck or fleet's activities, or perhaps the one with the most potential for the future.

How do you decide? One big factor: artificial intelligence.

No, devices that include LTE or satellite connectivity offer internet free video transfer. We highly recommend that you include these as part of your device criteria.

Simple dashboard cameras do not record the video feed; they provide a continuous display transmitted to a monitor, like the backup cameras in many automobiles.

A dashboard camera that records the video file on storage media – a flash drive or internal SD card – has limited memory space, so when the storage reaches capacity the device automatically overwrites the existing file. To save a file the user downloads the data to another resource.

Dashboard cameras that transmit the images can make the video record available for viewing or storage at a remote location.

Some dashboard cameras include a feature that is especially useful in commercial vehicle fleets: they can manage the data to preserve certain events. These cameras continuously record and overwrite files – but if the vehicle is subjected to an impact, sudden braking or other incidents, the device automatically uploads (transfers and saves) the recording segment that began a few seconds prior to the event and ended another few seconds following it.

This way, the dashboard camera captures a video record of the collision or similar occurrence.

The edge computing technology within AI cameras provides fleet managers with more driver behavior information than ever before. AI has turned dashboard cameras into proactive coaching tools that identify dangerous driving behaviors and create business insight that can help build a culture of safety. Real-time driver feedback is also enhanced by AI, giving drivers instant warnings when they take dangerous actions such as reading a text message or driving without a seatbelt.

• Reduce accidents - AI-powered fleet cameras identify dangerous driving behaviors, such as drowsy driving or speeding. This data can be used to coach drivers based on their actual driving habits. Fleets can expect fewer accidents through insight driven driver training and real-time driver feedback.
• Lower Insurance Premiums– Fleets can reduce the number of accidents due to better-trained drivers. Fewer accidents can improve the business claims history and increase the chances of reducing insurance premiums.
• Driver Retention – Making driver’s safety a priority is a key component in keeping employees happy and improving driver retention. Creating a training program that rewards positive driving behaviors can an effective way to get drivers to buy into technology-led safety programs.
• Reduced Fuel Cost and Environmental Impact - Safer driving is also more fuel-efficient driving, and using driver behavior insights to reward positive behavior can have a positive impact on fuel spend and reduce the business's environmental impact.
• Repair and Maintenance –Reduce a vehicle’s total cost of ownership through lower repair fees and maintenance costs. This is driven by lower accident rates and less frequent maintenance due to better driving styles.
• Incident Protection – Fleet or safety managers now can easily prove the fault of an accident. Actual footage of the incident can protect fleets against false insurance claims.