Truckers have the difficult responsibility of transporting freight safely over long trips. And while drivers take great care to move goods safely, accidents may be inevitable from time to time. In those circumstances, it can be complicated to decide who is at fault in an accident involving a truck.

Drivers – and by extension, carriers – can be unfairly assigned blame for crashes that weren’t their fault, causing issues with safety ratings and increased insurance premiums for carriers. Thankfully, in-cab cameras can provide essential video evidence to exonerate a driver who might otherwise be at fault for an accident.

In this blog, we will offer a case study that shows the benefits of in-cab cameras for driver – and carrier – exoneration.

The Advantages of In-Cab Cameras for Event Capture

In-cab cameras, or dash cams, record video footage from both the driver’s perspective and the vehicle’s surroundings, offering numerous benefits for event capture and analysis.

Advantages of these cameras include:

• Unassailable evidence: Objective evidence if a crash occurs.
• Faster claim resolution: Based on video support, insurance claims can be adjudicated faster, minimizing uncertainty for carriers and drivers.
• Improved safety: By logging events on the road, cameras and their associated software can help pinpoint items where drivers can improve their safety scores and outcomes.
• Legal assurance: Protects drivers and companies from unsubstantiated legal claims.

An Example of Driver Exoneration Through In-Cab Camera Footage

John, a driver with many years of experience, was involved in a serious crash while driving on a busy interstate highway. A driver in a passenger vehicle swerved into the lane John was in, causing a wreck that resulted in significant damage to each vehicle. That driver said John had drifted into their lane, blaming him for the crash. However, John was adamant that it was the passenger vehicle at fault.

John’s truck was thankfully outfitted with an in-cab camera platform that captured the entirety of the events. Footage showed the passenger vehicle abruptly changing lanes and colliding with John’s truck. This evidence exonerated John, as it showed that he was not the driver responsible for causing the accident. The video not only protected John’s driving record but also saved his employer from potentially costly legal and insurance claims.

The Power of In-Cab Cameras for Driver Exoneration

In-cab cameras are proving to be an invaluable tool in the freight carrier industry, particularly when it comes to driver exoneration in the event of an accident. By providing objective, clear evidence, these systems protect drivers and companies from unwarranted legal action and help resolve insurance claims more efficiently. Furthermore, in-cab cameras play a crucial role in promoting safety within the industry, encouraging responsible driving habits, and enabling targeted training programs.

As technology advances and in-cab camera systems become more sophisticated, their potential to enhance safety and driver exoneration in the trucking industry will only continue to grow. By investing in these systems, companies can protect their drivers, reduce costs, and contribute to safer on-road outcomes. For information on Transflo’s industry-leading telematics powered by ATI and GEOTAB and in-cab camera solutions for carriers, contact us today.