How Side-View Cameras Protect Fleets

This publish is a part of a sequence sponsored by IAT Insurance coverage Group.

Lane-change incidents and sideswipe collisions are more and more frequent however hardly ever clear-cut.

Almost 75% of huge vehicles concerned in deadly crashes collided with one other car, which incorporates sideswipe and merging accidents. In 63% of deadly crashes, the crucial precrash occasion concerned one other car, particular person or object getting into the truck’s lane, whereas 32% had at the least one driver-related issue, reminiscent of distraction or inattention.

With so many variables in play and authorized legal responsibility usually assumed earlier than information are confirmed, fleets want extra than simply eyewitness accounts. They want clear proof so a protection might be constructed based mostly on the information. Aspect-view cameras are an more and more important instrument for offering clear, unbiased proof to guard drivers, confirm what actually occurred and resolve claims shortly.

Frequent crash situations the place blame isn’t all the time clear

Massive truck drivers navigate highway challenges each day through which cameras could make a big distinction on the subject of blame. Suppose tight proper turns, impatient drivers at intersections, fast-moving autos weaving via freeway lanes — and extra. And whereas skilled operators know find out how to deal with these situations, that doesn’t all the time defend them or the enterprise when one thing goes improper.

These are among the commonest situations the place crashes happen and blame will get difficult:

• Proper-hand squeeze accidents: As a truck prepares to show proper, particularly at an intersection, passenger autos usually misjudge the accessible area and attempt to cross on the precise. This leads to a sideswipe. These accidents are notably frequent when drivers fail to account for the vast turning radius of an 80-foot car.
• Trailer tail swing throughout intersection turns: Even when executed accurately, vast proper or left turns might outcome within the tail finish of vehicles momentarily crossing into adjoining lanes, creating threat if close by drivers aren’t paying consideration or attempt to beat the flip.
• Lane modifications on interstates: A automobile dashing up from behind can simply disappear right into a truck’s blind spot, particularly on massive highways with a number of lanes. Even when the driving force checks their mirrors, autos touring at 80 to 90 mph can shut the hole too shortly for them to react.

These occasions unfold in seconds and infrequently in blind spots. Even when your driver adopted protocol, it’s not unusual for the trucking firm to be blamed first. With out video proof, disputes develop into a matter of phrase in opposition to phrase, and that uncertainty drives up the price of claims via prolonged authorized proceedings and inflated settlements. Murky legal responsibility circumstances are excessive threat and excessive price, putting strain on each carriers and policyholders to search out higher methods to confirm and defend the information.

Actual-world instance: When video made the distinction

In a latest incident, an impartial single-unit owner-operator discovered himself in a well-recognized however irritating state of affairs — one other driver tried to squeeze into the entrance proper lane of his truck, leading to a minor sideswipe. Thankfully, the driving force had put in a fundamental three-camera system on his truck, with protection on either side and the entrance. He captured your entire incident on video.

When regulation enforcement arrived, the truck driver merely performed the footage from his SD card. It clearly confirmed the opposite driver was at fault and that there was little, if any, contact between the autos. Primarily based on that proof, the officer issued the quotation to the opposite driver. The declare for bodily injury and bodily damage was denied.

When requested why he put in cameras, the driving force didn’t hesitate: “It was simply frequent sense.” With over 20 years behind the wheel, he’d seen too many conditions the place “different drivers do loopy issues round vehicles,” and with fixed lawyer adverts concentrating on trucking corporations, he knew it was solely a matter of time. He didn’t let price stand in the way in which, both — he selected three $50 models and enormous SD reminiscence playing cards for full facet and entrance protection. In his phrases, it was “definitely a superb payback.”

Finest practices for utilizing side-view cameras

Mounted on either side of the truck, side-view cameras present visibility into merge zones, turning paths and adjoining lanes. When paired with sprint cams, they provide close to 360-degree views and pictures to assist defend drivers and resolve claims sooner. In some circumstances, drivers have even proven regulation enforcement video footage on the accident scene to make clear the information and keep away from pointless citations.

To maximise the worth of your funding, listed below are key finest practices for choosing, putting in and utilizing side-view cameras:

• Set up on either side: To seize turning and merging occasions precisely, you want protection on each the left and proper sides of the car.
• Pair with front-facing cameras: Aspect-view cameras are useful, however they’re only when paired with a front-facing digicam — which is an important, preliminary installment — to supply full context.
• Account for trailer swaps: In case your fleet incessantly modifications trailers, mount cameras on the tractor — not the trailer — to make sure constant protection. Including a rear digicam might also be a good suggestion for fleets that maintain trailers hooked up (like some transferring and storage corporations).
• Go for cloud-connected programs: Some programs use onboard SD playing cards, whereas others provide cloud-based entry. Cloud-connected programs can present real-time footage on the scene and cut back the danger of knowledge loss.
• Know your vendor: Search for trusted suppliers who provide commercial-grade programs, cellular entry and integration with different fleet administration instruments.
• Use footage for greater than claims: Video footage isn’t only for accidents. It could enable you to coach drivers, establish close to misses and enhance security practices throughout your fleet.

Management your claims, regardless of who’s at fault

Including side-view cameras isn’t only a tech improve — it’s a sensible threat administration transfer. The fee is commonly far outweighed by the financial savings in claims decision, authorized charges and status safety. Even when your driver is at fault, clear video proof means that you can assess the state of affairs shortly, take accountability and settle the declare in a manner that avoids pointless disputes and drawn-out litigation.

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By Dewayne Reeder