Truck dashcams have become fairly popular in recent times. They are extremely helpful in recording route details and the occurrences taking place inside and outside the trucks. Further, they find applications in the training and safety programs of the drivers.
Integrating these dashcams with asset management tool helps in creating a holistic system that keeps track of your fleet. Since dashcams maintain a video-based evidence record, they can come to use in several situations, especially while raising insurance claims.
Major Benefits of Using a Truck Dashcam
Let us take a look at how truck dashcams add value to your fleet and help in insurance claims:
1. Enjoy Lower Insurance Rates
Insurance companies are always willing to mete out a good deal if they think that the fleet managing company is responsible. In fact, some may even offer you a discount on their insurance rates!
Dashcam installation promises responsible driver behavior and adherence to safety standards. Thus, installing truck dashcams is the best way to send a clear message that you are serious about your fleet safety.
2. You Can Maintain Documented Evidence
With a dashcam, you can leverage data and technology to keep track of all the events. Thus, you can record any accidents that may take place while on the route. The dashcam recordings are the strongest piece of evidence to verify that you or your driver is not at fault for the mishap. You can then use this footage as evidence when working with an Oklahoma City truck accident lawyer on insurance-related cases
The maintenance of an evidence-based record is also crucial for times when the driver is not in or around the truck. For instance, if you notice a dent on your truck while it was parked, you can review the dashcam footage to catch the perpetrator. It also holds true in the unfortunate event when someone tries to break into the truck or vandalize it.
Moreover, dashcam footage helps you calculate and file your IFTA quarterly report accurately as you can access the details to report and document it.
3. You Can Report Rash Drivers
Given the number of hours that your drivers spend on the road, they are bound to run into a handful of bad drivers at some point or the other. The best way to make sure that you do not have to pay for their carelessness is through investing in a dashcam.
It is extremely quick and easy to grab the footage of a reckless driver who is putting others in harm’s way. Once you have your evidence ready, you can report them along with the due proof that will get undisciplined drivers out of the lanes.
4. Reduce False Insurance Claims
A study by the American Trucking Association (ATA) highlighted that nearly 85% of passengers are responsible for truck-passenger vehicular accidents. However, the truck drivers have to bear the brunt of the blame. As a result, passengers not only get to walk away scot-free but also raise insurance claims for these collisions.
On the other hand, fleet owners and operators have to shell out an average of $91,000 to $200,000 for truck crashes. With a dashcam in place, there will be fewer false claims and lopsided liabilities.
5. Incentivize Safe Driving
Creating a rewards program can be the best way to motivate your drivers to follow safe practices while driving. Through such programs, your company can reward the drivers who drive safely and encourage others to do the same.
You can use the recorded footage to establish a point system, given that dashcams can comfortably record hard data related to collisions, braking or acceleration, and cornering. Thus, each driver can have a scorecard against which they are graded, which will allow them to compete for the coveted perks offered by the organization for safe driving.
In doing so, companies also set the base for putting drivers and driver safety first. Plus, these scorecards can help in identifying a fitting bonus to the employees.
6. You Can Use it for Training and Coaching Drivers
Even though you have a fleet of highly skilled and trained drivers, there is always scope for training and improvement. In fact, the scorecard mentioned previously could be a great place to start locating driver weaknesses. After identifying those, you can train them to work on their driving skills while allowing them to discover where they went wrong.
Apart from existing drivers, the dashcam footage can also come handy in training new drivers. The video can stimulate real-time traffic and driving conditions that will give them the requisite experience even before they step on the gas!
On the other hand, safety managers can review the tapes to find out what went wrong and when, and how it can be prevented in the future.
7. Faster Insurance Claim Settlement
Raising an insurance claim can be a rather tedious task if you don’t have the documentation and evidence in order. When you support your claims with these proofs, insurance service providers will gain more context on your case.
As a result, they can dispose of your insurance claim internally rather than contesting matters in court. Thus, they can process your claims faster and more efficiently.
8. Protecting Drivers’ Interests
Most of the points covered above also highlight how dashcams can help protect the driver and fleet owner’s interests.
When a driver is not at fault, the dashcam footage is the best way to protect their innocence and CDL. As a result, drivers can enjoy the support of their organization, especially when they find themselves in a tough spot. This trust will make them even more productive and responsible while running your fleet.
However, the very same thing that exonerates them could also implicate them in case they are the ones who have caused any accidents.
Final Thoughts
Clearly, dashcams have transformed the way insurance companies handle your claims. The cost of these dashcams are nominal, and in return, you will gain a handsome return on investment. You will be able to protect your driver and company’s interests, establish a culture of safety, and expedite the insurance claim settlements!
So instead of wondering, “Is a dashcam worth it?” start considering, “Which dashcam is perfect for me?”
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