If you’ve worked in the fleet industry long enough, you’ll recognize this truth:
Blame occurs rapidly after an accident; Facts arrive later.
The first finger is usually pointed at your driver.
Whether your driver was rear-ended by another vehicle that came to a sudden stop or whether a pedestrian claimed your driver was speeding or if another driver stated your truck strayed into their lane.
You’re exposed even though your driver acted appropriately, until you can document that fact.
Video telematics has quietly become one of the most important tools for risk management in modern fleets to defend them — not manage them.
Not all “he said, she said” cases are equal.
Claims due to false or exaggerated charges (see real-life example) don’t only increase your insurance rates, but create problems through-out your fleet:
• Claims drag on longer than they should
• Legal fees grow quickly
• Vehicles remain idle while under investigation
• Your drivers become increasingly stressed, upset and disenchanted
• Damage to your reputation occurs before the facts are known
For many fleets, the largest problem is not the accident itself, but the uncertainty that follows.
Without objective evidence, the decision-making process is based upon speculation instead of factual information.
Why Video Changes The Way You Think About Accidents
Video telematics converts opinions regarding accidents into evidence-based information.
Rather than depending upon written accounts or testimony from third parties, you are able to view and assess the actions leading up to, during and following an accident.
This clarity matters.
What forward-facing video provides is:
• Evidence of a vehicle cutting off the subject vehicle
• A record of road conditions and signage
• Confirmation that a vehicle was being driven in accordance with the required following distances
• A visual record of the subject’s surroundings (i.e., traffic lights, pedestrians, etc.)
In-cab video enhances the evaluation of an accident by documenting whether the driver was attentive and focused, which helps to quickly refute allegations of distractions or unsafe driving practices.
In many cases, the use of video evidence results in:
• Quicker claim resolutions
• Less litigation
• Claim dismissal or reclassification
• Clearance of the driver of liability in a few days rather than several weeks or months
Protecting Your Driver Results In Greater Confidence In Their Ability To Perform Safely
There is a misunderstanding that cameras are used to watch the drivers.
In reality, the majority of the best fleets utilize cameras as a protective measure for their drivers and not a tool to monitor them.
When drivers understand that the video system is designed to protect them from false accusations, their attitude changes from feeling watched to feeling protected.
This creates positive impacts on:
• Retention of drivers
• Driver morale following a traumatic incident
• Acceptance of safe driving programs
• Desire to accept coaching
Dashcams not only help protect your company, but also the people behind the wheel.
In addition to providing protection for the company, video telematics also provides protection for the individuals operating the vehicles.
Going Beyond Just Incidents: Video Telematics Can Reduce Risks Before An Incident Occurs
Another significant advantage of modern video telematics is what happens before an incident occurs.
Using AI technology, these systems can identify and report on potential risks while the vehicle is in motion and provide the driver with in-cab alerts to make adjustments in real-time. Examples include hard braking, tailgating, distracted driving — minor adjustments that significantly reduce the likelihood of an incident occurring.
Reduced incidence means reduced opportunity for false claims to occur.
When video data is combined with vehicle data and driver data, the fleet gains a better understanding of risk and is able to coach the driver before an incident occurs versus after.
How Geotab and GO Focus Plus Work Together
The Geotab platform combines vehicle data, driver behavior and safety insights into a single environment. When combined with an integrated camera solution such as GO Focus Plus, fleets receive synchronized video and telematics data tied directly to specific events.
This synchronization is key.
Instead of searching for video or piecing together a timeline using multiple systems, all components connect:
• Video is automatically activated upon occurrence of a real-world event
• Video is correlated with speed, braking and location data
• Safety teams have easier access to the correct clips
• Claims teams have clearer, defensible evidence
The end result is less friction, quicker decision making and increased protection for both the drivers and the organization.
Why Implementation Is More Important Than The Device
Purchasing cameras is relatively simple. Utilizing cameras effectively is far more difficult.
Many fleets face difficulties with the amount of data received, the number of alerts provided, unclear policies and confusion among the drivers about how footage will be utilized.
A successful video telematics program requires:
• Clear communication with the drivers
• Configuring alerts and events that have relevance and eliminating those that do not
• Developing practical coaching workflows
• Ensuring that the video evidence is aligned with the insurance and claims processes
That is why working with a reputable partner is so important.
How Advanced Fleet Solutions Assists Fleets To Implement Video Telematics Programs Successfully
Advanced Fleet Solutions (AFS) assists fleets daily that desire to benefit from video telematics without the added complexity.
AFS assists fleets:
• Determine the appropriate camera configuration for their risk level
• Configure the relevant alerts and turn off those that are unimportant
• Rollout video programs to their drivers respectfully
• Ensure that video data is properly aligned with the safety, claims and operational goals of the fleet
• Convert video evidence into actual protection for the drivers when incidents occur
The objective is not surveillance. The objective is clarity, fairness and protection for all parties involved.
If false accusations, increasing claims, and/or unresolved incidents are causing risk in your operation, video telematics may currently be the missing component. With the correct implementation, video telematics can become one of the most valuable tools you possess.
AFS allows you to transition from uncertainty to evidence and from reaction to confidence.
If you would like to learn more about how video telematics can assist your fleet, please contact us today.