9 Reasons Why Commercial Fleets Should Install Dash Cameras
While dashboard cameras have captured some amusing and extraordinary traffic incidents worldwide, their value extends far beyond entertainment, especially for commercial vehicle fleets. Cobra UK, a leading safety and security solutions provider, has even urged the government to mandate front-facing cameras to protect the freight industry from ‘crash-for-cash’ scams.
These fraudulent activities cost the insurance industry £392 million in 2012, with 69,500 personal injury cases reported. This not only drives up insurance premiums but also leads to vehicle downtime, higher repair costs, compromised driver safety, and potential damage to a business’s reputation. Even if the UK government does not implement regulations, there are compelling reasons to install dash cameras in your fleet vehicles.
- Protection Against Crash-for-Cash Scams
The most compelling reason to install a dash cam is to protect against crash-for-cash scams, which have unfortunately become more common in recent years. These fraudulent schemes involve staging an accident where the driver of a trailing vehicle can be blamed for a collision. Typically, this occurs when a vehicle in front suddenly and unnecessarily slams on the brakes.However, a
forward-facing camera can prevent this problem by clearly showing whether there was any legitimate reason to brake suddenly.In a well-known case, a commercial vehicle’s dash cam successfully thwarted a crash-for-cash scam. The video clearly shows a car slowing down on a dual carriageway for no reason. When the driver reacted, he was rear-ended and subsequently collided with the fraudulent driver. The guilty party was held responsible, resulting in an estimated cost saving of £45,000.
- Evidence for Road Accident Insurance Claims
Even when there is no suspicion of fraud, dash cams can provide crucial evidence in accident insurance claims. Currently, much depends on the statements and explanations provided by those involved. Unfortunately, it’s not always certain that the truth is being told, and there is a chance that the story could be fabricated to avoid penalties or prosecution. Additionally, drivers or pedestrians may not accurately remember the incident, leading to unreliable or inaccurate reports. With a dashboard camera, however, insurance companies can view clear, objective evidence and make a fair judgment, reducing the likelihood of disputes or disagreements.
- Evidence for Parking Accident Insurance Claims
According to the Daily Mail, one in five people would drive away if they hit a parked car in a supermarket car park, especially if they believed no one noticed. A separate study by the AA found that 8 out of 10 drivers have returned to their cars to find damage caused by another vehicle. Although most parking accidents are minor, they can still lead to insurance claims, which can be problematic for commercial fleet managers. Whether your driver is the victim or the perpetrator, a dash cam can help clarify these incidents. While a front-facing camera might not capture the entire incident, it will likely record the vehicle or driver involved. It may also identify witnesses who can provide additional evidence.
- Faster Insurance Claims Processing
Insurance claims are rarely processed quickly, and waiting for a final verdict can feel like an unnecessarily prolonged ordeal. However, installing dash cameras in your fleet can expedite the entire process. Instead of gathering and reviewing written statements from all parties involved, your insurance provider can simply review the footage and reach a logical conclusion. While additional eyewitness reports or comments from drivers and pedestrians might be needed for some claims, this won’t be necessary with clear dash cam evidence. A quicker insurance claims process allows you to focus on more critical business matters without the stress of awaiting a final decision.
- Reduction in Insurance Premiums
One of the major issues with crash-for-cash scams is their impact on insurance premiums for innocent drivers, as the costs of compensation must be recouped from somewhere. Fortunately, the insurance industry is beginning to recognize that dash cams can help address this problem and is offering savings to those who install these systems. One leading insurer offers a 10 percent discount, equating to an annual saving of £33 for the average motorist. While the discount you receive will depend on your insurance provider, it could become more common, particularly for commercial vehicles.
- Recording Driver Behavior
Like telematics systems that monitor vehicle movement to reduce overheads, dash cams can record driver behavior as well. This allows you to see whether drivers are taking the correct routes or making unnecessary stops. If you install a dual-lens camera that records in-car activity, you can also monitor whether your drivers are acting safely and professionally. Since they represent the business daily and interact with numerous people, their behavior is crucial. Instances of mobile phone use or road rage can be captured on camera, allowing you to take appropriate action.
- Promotion of Safer Driving
This benefit is similar to vehicle tracking systems, as dash cams can promote safer driving throughout your fleet. Even with extensive training and incentives for safe driving, employees may still drive erratically or dangerously. This behavior not only increases the risk of accidents but can also negatively impact fuel economy, leading to higher costs over time. However, being aware of constant monitoring encourages drivers to operate safely and cautiously. As a result, the likelihood of a collision decreases, and you may never need to rely on dash cam footage as evidence.
- Reporting Dangerous Drivers
While driver welfare is a top priority, there is also a duty to protect other road users. With a dash cam, dangerous drivers who could cause future accidents can be reported. From speeding and tailgating to illegal undertakes and mobile phone use, various road offenses are committed daily by numerous drivers. With video evidence, reckless drivers can be reported to the appropriate authorities, leading to their prosecution and reducing the risk they pose to your fleet. As dash cams become more widespread, more dangerous drivers could be convicted, benefiting everyone.
- Driver Training
When training new or younger drivers, nothing compares to hands-on experience behind the wheel. However, dash cam footage can be an invaluable learning tool, offering in-depth insights into various incidents. Trainee drivers can learn how to handle different situations and scenarios without putting themselves, the vehicle, or other road users at risk. Experienced drivers can also provide expert guidance and share their wisdom while reviewing recordings. Dash cams might even eliminate the need for certain training courses or classes, saving time, money, and resources.
In Summary
There are few reasons not to install dash cameras in your fleet vehicles. While they are well-known for catching crash-for-cash fraudsters, dash cams offer several additional benefits. From traffic accidents and parking incidents to speeding up claims processing and lowering insurance premiums, almost every aspect of commercial vehicle insurance becomes more manageable and cost-effective. Additionally, driver behavior is likely to improve, reducing the likelihood of dangerous or reckless driving.
Beyond that, dash cams offer hope for the future. Unsafe drivers can be identified and held accountable, new drivers can receive comprehensive training, and the insurance industry can better combat fraudulent claims.
Get in Touch
If you want to learn more or have any questions, feel free to contact us directly at 01274 597748 or email us at sales@satmo.co.uk our other blog posts are also available here: https://satmo.co.uk/blog/
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