In-Cab Video Monitoring for Trucking Fleets
August 2, 2018
The Central Oregon Truck Company was recently named a “2018 Best Fleet to Drive For” by the Truckload Carriers Association for its on-site amenities, comprehensive benefits packages, and their commitment to ensuring that their truck drivers are well-trained and safe. By installing video monitoring systems in their trucks, they are able to refer to the footage in training seminars, as well as use it as evidence if the truck driver is involved in an accident.
As the benefits of in-cab video monitoring become more widely-known, it is likely that more trucking companies will install these systems in their entire fleets.
The Central Oregon Truck Company CEO decided to install the SmartDrive video safety system approximately two years ago. Since then, it has been used as a valuable training resource, a way to provide concrete proof when a driver has been falsely accused of causing a truck accident, and a way to identify mistakes, so that the appropriate steps can be taken to fix them. “If we do something wrong,” said the CEO, “we need to have that responsibility”.
The company initially tested the system in only two of its trucks. They made the decision to proceed with a pilot program, which included 25 volunteers. Based on the results of the program, they proceeded to install the SmartDrive system in all of their trucks. All drivers were required to use external-facing cameras, while some of the fleet’s experienced drivers, with safe driving records, had the option of opting out of using the internal camera.
Holistic Approach to Driver Performance
In addition to the video monitoring, Central Oregon also hired a team of coaches, who review the video footage with the drivers. They review the video with a fine-toothed comb, pointing out things that the driver may have done wrong, while offering constructive criticism on how to fix the problem.
Ideally, this process helps prevent bad habits from forming. Central Oregon believes this holistic approach will help prevent driver complacency and encourage drivers to drive safely and responsibly. In addition, it will hold truck companies accountable for their fleet.
After a study of more than 10,000 crashes found that on-cab video monitoring could reduce fatal crashes by 20 percent, and crash-related injuries by 35 percent, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommended that all heavy truck and bus fleets use video recording technology.
In addition to the safety benefits, there is a significant financial benefit as well. The average cost of a fatal accident can run as high as $11 million. Non-fatal accidents that resulted in injuries can cost an average of $500,000, and roughly $75,000 for accidents that caused property damage only.
In addition to the financial toll, serious truck accidents can have a negative impact on employee morale, and can damage the truck company’s reputation.
Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Devastating Truck Accidents
If you have been seriously injured in a truck accident, do not hesitate to contact the Baltimore truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We understand how devastating these accidents can be and we will work tirelessly to obtain the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent truck accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
