If you're looking to increase safety and security on the road, a dash cam is a must-have for truckers. Dash cams are cameras that are designed to be mounted to the windshield of a vehicle, allowing for a continuous recording of the road ahead. Dash cams for trucks have become increasingly popular over the years, and there are several different types of cameras available to choose from. How do you know what option is right for you? We'll discuss the current options available in this article.
Understanding Different Types of Dash Cams
Cloud Based vs. Local Recording
Cloud based dash cameras are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and instant access to footage. With cloud based dash cameras, drivers no longer have to worry about losing or damaging their SD cards as the footage is automatically uploaded to a secure server. Managers are also able to be alerted instantly when an incident occurs and contact drivers immediately in order to provide assistance. In addition, many cloud based cameras come with unlimited storage so footage will never be lost or overwritten.
On the other hand, local recording dash cameras still remain the go-to option for many truck drivers. This type of camera stores its footage internally, typically on an SD card, so you don't have to worry about your footage being vulnerable to hackers. However, since storage space is limited, the footage will usually loop after a certain amount of time and it can be difficult to store long-term recordings. Furthermore, for fleet managers who need access to driver coaching materials, local recording dash cams may not be the best option due to the extra steps that are needed in order to access the footage.
Outward Facing vs. Four Way Cameras
Outward facing cameras are a great place to start for most drivers. These are the traditional type of dash cam, and typically record only the view ahead of the vehicle. With an outward-facing camera, you can still pick up on any incidents that occur while on the road, as well as important footage that could be used later on.
However, if your budget allows it, four-way cameras are a great choice to consider. As the name implies, four-way cameras provide views from four different angles: driver-facing, front, rear, and side. This provides a much wider range of coverage and makes it easier to assess any incidents or disputes that may occur. Having footage from all four angles can also provide valuable feedback for driver coaching, making them especially beneficial for fleet managers and trucking companies.
G-Force vs. AI Sensors
There are two types of triggers for video recording you'll want to be aware of: g-force sensors and AI (artificial intelligence) video analysis. G-force sensors will only pick up incidents like hard braking or collisions, while AI-based cameras such as DriveCam will pick up incidents like stop sign violations, lane changes, and more. Overall, it is best to get a camera that uses a combo of g-force and AI, as there are some things that one alone can't catch.
AI-based cameras are widely regarded as the best dash cam to use in a truck, as they provide a more complete picture of events if an incident occurs. Plus, with most AI dash cams, you get the added benefit of instant driver coaching to ensure you stay safe on the road. With driver coaching alerts, when the camera detects risky driving behavior like sudden acceleration or harsh turns, it alerts a driver directly so you can take action before it becomes a problem.
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In Conclusion
No matter what type of dash cam you decide is best for your fleet, having one installed can significantly reduce the risk of incidents. Whether it's a single driver facing camera or dual dash cameras with front and rear facing lenses, these devices can help protect drivers, increase safety, and even provide driver coaching. Best of all, they're relatively affordable investments that offer long-term payoffs in terms of improved fleet safety. So if you're looking for a great way to improve the safety of your fleet, investing in the right dash cam can be one of the best decisions you make.
At TruckSpy, we are proud to offer a top-of-the-line camera that combines many of the features mentioned above. Our cameras use a combination of g-force and AI sensors, provide instant driver coaching, and offer unlimited cloud storage with instant upload. Choose between our 2 way or 4 way camera and set you and your fleet up for success for years to come. Our users reported an 80% drop in risky driving behaviors in only 60 days. Book a demo with us here, and download our free camera buyers guide for more information.
