Dash Cameras for Trucks

Each day it’s estimated that 1.35 million people lose their lives in vehicular accidents. Accidents are unpredictable and take place daily. The aftermath of an accident can be challenging and stressful. It can also be expensive if you have to pay large amounts in damage costs and insurance premiums. And if you don’t have the proper proof, you could even face jail time.

However, technology has given us the ability to optimize fleets and increase efficiency while driving. What technology are we talking about? Dash cams for trucks! Dash cameras for trucks facilitate fleet administration, enhance driver experience, and improve safety.

The process of incorporating new technologies into your fleet or truck might seem intimidating at first, but once you see how easy dash cams are to install, you will know the difference between driving with one and driving without. In this blog, we will explain dash cameras in detail, along with their importance and various features that make this device such a crucial part of driving business fleet vehicles.

Overview of Dash Cameras

Dash cams were first introduced in the United States during 1990. Their main purpose was to assist law enforcement in their duties. These were big and bulky cameras that needed to be mounted with the help of a tripod on either the front or rear end of the car.

The older models of dashcams used analog readings and were not recorded digitally. Instead, the recordings had to be recorded with the help of cassettes. This process was extremely time consuming and difficult to store. Adding to that, these dash cams also provided low quality videos, making it very ineffective to spot an identify the license plate number on other vehicles or physical appearances of people.

However, with advances in technology, the design was modified, making it more modernized, and giving it a more versatile and compact look. Dashcams today are stored on memory cards and not cassettes. They also provide higher quality videos and are more effective. These dashcams became increasingly popular for their affordable price and multiple features.

Truck dash cams reduce expenses, enhance fleet management, and improve driver safety. Dash cams are typically mounted on the dashboard or windshield of trucks or semi-trucks. They can be mounted in two ways. The first way is to mount it facing the road, and the second way is to face both the road and the driver. This type of dash cam is called a dual-facing camera.

These cameras are connected to the vehicle's electrical system, which enables them to function. Fleet managers or drivers may manually turn them on and off, or they can also be automatically switched on once the vehicle starts.

They are primarily intended to enhance driver behavior, increase safety, and use video footage as proof that the accident was not caused by the driver. Truck dash cams can also improve driver accountability, increase fleet safety, and increase visibility for companies.

Not only that, dash cameras and fleet management software are mostly used together. The main purpose of this combination is so truck drivers or fleet managers can obtain a comprehensive picture of fleet safety, including data related to hard/emergency braking ( 53% of fleets install dash cams to monitor hard braking), and to detect collisions, tight turns, fast acceleration, and much more.

Types of Dash Cameras

The majority of truck companies demand that a dash cam be installed in your truck. Studies show that more than 52% of truck drivers have dash cams installed in their vehicles mainly to prevent costly accidents.

There are different types of dash cams, and each one has its own features. Therefore, when choosing a dashcam for your truck, see which one has the most benefits and features that you need.

What triggers these cameras?

• When a driver is driving carelessly and risks having an accident. These things trigger the camera. Once you get a good understanding of how these dashcams function, you will automatically start driving safely to avoid any triggers. These dash cameras mostly have AI technology and sensors, allowing them to detect emergency braking, changing lanes without any signals, not following a speed limit, and much more.

• For example, if an event or accident takes place, the dashcam will send a video to your trucking company. This will include the starting and ending of a few seconds.

Front-Facing

The most popular kind of dash camera for trucks is road-facing. To record the road ahead, a front-facing dash cam attaches to a windshield and faces forward. It offers a wide range of vision, which allows you to see a large area around your truck.

These dash cams are designed with a lens facing the road to record crashes. They're also useful for filming, which can be used to coach drivers and shield them from false accusations. These cameras are not enabled to record the inside of a truck.

Benefits

Safety:

The camera encourages you to stop dangerous driving behaviors by triggering sensors when you drive carelessly. Knowing that driving behavior is monitored usually leads to safer, more aware driving.

An event will be set off, for example, if you are too close to a vehicle or over speeding. These are two definite ways to cause an accident.

Protects you from false accusations:

The feature to record gets triggered upon any unusual or sudden changes in the vehicle. This way, if an accident occurs, you are not to blame for causing it. That front-facing camera will record that, and there you have it! Proof!

Dual-Facing

Dual-facing cameras are trending in popularity in the trucking sector. Although it sounds uncomfortable having a camera in your face at all times, more and more drivers are embracing this technology. In addition to being a useful tool for reducing insurance costs, a dual-facing camera shields drivers from false accusations of blame and may even serve as a warning system for reckless driving. Studies show that drivers who do not use dual-facing dash cams may be held accountable.

A large number of accidents are prevented with the help of the coaching system that guides these drivers on safer driving practices.

Benefits

Saves You from Hefty Costs:

The benefit of dual-facing cameras is that they will show when you need them. Even skilled truck drivers occasionally have accidents, which can result in costly claims and compensation. When an accident occurs, the cameras capture footage from the outside, inside, and other aspects of the road.

Keeps You and Others on the Road Safe:

All truck drivers are aware of the value of safety on the road and that they can constantly improve. A dual-facing dash cam uses the camera facing the driver to identify risky driving behavior on the dashcam and offers real-time alerts based on that information. We can identify dangerous behavior patterns and assist you in resolving them so that everyone can return home safely.

This helps you stay at the top of the game by enabling you to be aware of your surroundings and learn from your failures. The dashcam is your companion on the road.

Multi-Camera Systems

Each day, you see more and more vehicles on the road, making it essential to have a good view of the road when driving. One camera cannot do the job alone.

Several carefully positioned cameras are used on a vehicle called multi-camera video systems. These are used to track an object's movements in real time. This guarantees that drivers are covered in the case of an incident or claim, in addition to assisting fleet managers in running their vehicles safely and effectively.

Benefits

360 views:

The main benefit of multi-camera systems is that they give you a complete 360 view of your truck or vehicle. Blind spots are almost completely removed when there are cameras everywhere, which improves a driver's situational awareness and makes calculated decisions in response to their surroundings.

With the help of these cameras, drivers are capable of operating their trucks safely and confidently. Whether it is pulling in and out of loading docks, parking, changing lanes, or moving through narrow lanes.

Maximum safety:

With multiple cameras installed on the exterior and interior of the truck, the chances of accidents occurring are slim. The cameras on the truck make the road safer for both other drivers and people walking on the roads. Also, most accidents in trucks occur due to blind spots. Multi-camera systems have a sensor that detects a vehicle in the blind spot of the truck and sends a notification or a real-time indicator.

These cameras also document every detail in case of an accident from every angle. Making it a very reliable option for most large vehicles.

Protects from Theft:

The multiple cameras located in different spots of the truck make it impossible for a theft to occur, even if it is a worst-case scenario. The likelihood of the thief escaping is slim because the camera will capture him in the video. Additionally, many dash cams are GPS enabled so you’ll always know the location of the truck if it were to get stolen.

Extra features of Dash cams

Most modern dash cams are built to record at night. So, you’ll have visibility regardless of when you’re on the road. Most of the latest dash cams come with a night vision feature. These dash cams also make parking in confined areas or narrow lanes easy, giving you a 360-degree view of your surroundings.

Benefits of Dash Cameras

Dash cameras have countless benefits and installing one should be a priority for everyone who drives professionally. In situations where accidents or anything happens, these cameras are a blessing. They document everything for you, keeping you safe from high costs, jail time, or even death.

1. Safety

Dashcams serve as safety equipment for trucks and fleet vehicles. They allow you to see areas that may normally be impossible to see. These cameras are installed in all the crucial areas of the truck, guiding you to drive safely and protecting you and other vehicles. Drivers can't spot people or smaller vehicles that are in their blind spots, but with dash cams, you can.

2. Insurance

When an accident occurs, your dashcam will have documented proof of the incident. Having indisputable video proof, can show who is at fault, and who isn’t. In the event of an accident, you’ll need this type of proof to protect yourself and your businesses from expensive insurance claims. Dash cams have helped countless businesses benefit from insurance savings.

3. Monitoring

Dashcams have built-in AI safety features and sensors that can be triggered by any unusual or risky driving. These features are continuous driver monitoring as well as monitoring the road. They send real time alerts or notifications to keep the driver safe and make sure he is following safety protocols while driving. Some examples of monitoring feature dashcams include hard braking, over speeding, cutting, and much more.

Choosing the Right Dash Camera

You’ve decided to get your first dash camera. Great. The market is full of different brands and products designed for different uses. Knowing which features to look for when choosing the right one can be a tough task. In our blog, we’ll make it easy for you to understand which features you’ll need in your dash cams.

Video Quality

When buying a dashcam, always look out for its camera resolution because that will ultimately decide the quality of your video. The higher the resolution is, the better your dash cam video quality will be. Another tip for better quality video is recording every little detail because that will matter when you use your video for proof. Most dash cams even come with night vision.

The majority of dashcams today record in HD quality. However, there are different variations of high-definition videos, such as 720p, 1080p, and even 4K.

Lastly, to record and store high-quality videos, your camera or service provider must have good storage options.

Durability

Dashcams come in different quality and prices. The bigger brands are costlier but are \higher quality compared to less expensive options. However, what you pay isn’t always what you get. Some of the lesser-known brands have found a niche by designing cams to withstand rough use and can easily last for several years.

AI

Most of the latest dash cam models are AI-based. Especially those geared toward commercial use. AI dual dash cameras keep monitoring your truck or fleet's driving pattern and driver behaviors to ensure safety and make improvements in driving. The AI sensors detect aggressive acceleration, following another vehicle too closely or turning too quickly, and immediately send alerts.

Storage Options

A Micro SD memory card, which fits into a tiny slot on the outside of your camera, is used by almost all dashcams to store their footage. These cards are all the same size, but some have more space and can store more footage.

Even though only a few minutes of the video come in handy, the dashcam records much more because it is important as per the sensors and stores it. This can reduce the amount of available space on your memory card unless you regularly empty it.

GPS tracking

When the dashcam records a video, it also identifies the location to accurately track and measure all the details, including speed and the route at the time of the incident. These minor GPS details are extremely crucial in times of an accident to truly know what happened.

Easy Installation and Maintenance Guide

To avoid strong vibrations, make sure your dash cam is firmly attached to your dashboard or windshield during installation. To guarantee stability, use suction cups or adhesive mounts made especially for dash cams. Make sure to periodically inspect the mount for indications of deterioration and change it if required. 

Best Dash Cameras for Trucks

It is not easy choosing the best dash cameras because there are many different models out there, with their pros and cons. Let me make it easier for you by listing the best models and their features, including pros and cons.

1. VizTrack Dual-View

This is a high-definition dash cam built for effective fleet management and driver safety. The lens of this dashcam face forward and record all road conditions. Also, the functions of this dashcam and user friendly and provides real time monitoring. Talking about its user-friendly feature, the dashcam records and stores everything automatically. So, the driver does not need to worry about missing important clips.

Features

• Dual Cameras: 4K front-facing and rear-facing lenses with night vision.
• Real-Time Recording & Monitoring: Stream live video via 4G across North America.
• Built-in GPS Tracker: For precise location tracking.
• Advanced Fleet Management: Includes geofencing, speed alerts, and driver behavior monitoring.
• Wide-Angle View: Captures a broader area.
• Parking Mode: Records while parked.
• Collision Detection & Emergency Alerts: ADAS & DSM for safety monitoring.
• Cloud-Based Storage: Automatic video uploads with secure cloud backup.
• Easy Installation: Simple setup process.

2. Brickhosue Security - Dual Dash Camera

This dashcam has two cameras that record in high definition. Making it very good in times of insurance because this captures clips from the front and back. These also offer LCD screens that give it a sleek and modern look.

Features

• Dual-Lens Recording: Front-facing and rotatable rear or interior camera.
• High-Definition Video: Captures clear footage.
• G-Sensor: Automatically records during accidents.
• 2.7-Inch LCD Screen: For live viewing and playback.
• Loop Recording & Motion Detection: Ensures continuous and event-based recording.
• Microphone & Speaker: Built-in for audio recording.
• Storage: Supports up to a 64GB SD card.
• No Monthly Fees: No ongoing costs for operation.

3. Nextbase 622GW

If you are looking for the good and most premium dash cam. This is your best bet. It uses the latest technology, which shows in its video quality and performance. Some important features of this model and their pros and cons are listed below.

Features

• The GPS tracking feature allows it to record and track speed and location simultaneously.
• The vibrations from the vehicle do not affect its video quality.
• In situations when the driver is not responding, it sends alert signals for emergencies.
• Allows you to narrow down your location to a maximum of 3 meters.
• In situations when there is a collision, the dashcam will record it and store it separately.
• When you are in a traffic jam, and some vehicle hits your car, it will automatically record that because of its intelligent parking mode.
• Even in extreme weather conditions, it records at its best quality.
• It has a slow-motion mode, allowing you to see minor details of how the accident impacted the driver or vehicle.

4. Garmin 67W

Garmin Dash Cam 67W has a 180-degree view, which is extra wide. It is a small, compact, and voice-activated dash cam that records and stores crucial details in 1440p HD video. Its features make it among the top dash cams present in the market today.

Features

• The tiny Garmin 67W captures all the positive aspects of its predecessor.
• Adds Vault Storage footage backup and the
• Ability to use Garmin's smartphone app to access the camera from anywhere in the world.
• Can record 1440p HD footage in both bright and low light situations.

5. Thinkware U3000

The Thinkware U3000 dash cam is a new flagship model that uses the rear camera to record 2K QHD video in the back and genuine 4K UHD video in the forward direction.

Features

• 4K video definition
• It has a front and rear detector
• Very good night vision
• It has an intelligent parking mode feature
• Assists the driver for safer driving.
• Can change image quality from options
• It has a builtin wifi and Bluetooth system

6. Vantrue N4 Pro

These are modern truck dash cameras that have many features and are more capable than previous generations. Multiple video channels, GPS, and high-resolution sensors that are sensitive to low light are some of the additional features. Among the most recent models from Vantrue that offer these capabilities is the Vantrue Nexus N4 Pro.

Features

• It has three cameras that can record the front, inside, and back windows of your vehicle.
• Front and rear surveillance
• With a recently developed Sony sensor, the Nexus N4 pro captures the windshield view and uses a 3.19′′ display installed on the windshield to show the current weather.
• One SD card is used to save the recordings.
• In addition to capturing video, the dashcam sports a GPS sensor that tracks position and speed.

Let’s Compare Which Dash Cam Is the Best for Trucks

Here is a table that summarizes the features, pros, and cons of each dash camera:

This table provides a clear comparison of the different dash cams, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.

Real-World Applications

Some of the largest companies in the world that use trucks for their day-to-day business operations equip them with dashcams. Here are some dashcam success stories,

FedEx: We cannot miss out on FedEx when discussing the top dashcam studies.

The majority of FedEx vehicles, including those used for Ground and Express services, have cameras mounted on the front and rear of the vehicle. These are important initiatives, which aim to increase safety features through behavior monitoring in drivers. This shows that there is a priceless video available for anyone hurt in an accident involving a FedEx vehicle, which is important to have for establishing fault and damages in a personal injury lawsuit. Georgia has a rule that if you are less than fifty percent at fault, the charges can be recovered.

J. B. Hunt: One thing you will surely hear a lot in J.B.'s testimonials is the importance of safety. The company reported their best performance in 2023, when more than 22, 800 of company's drivers achieved an impactful reduction in Department of Transportation preventable accidents per million miles. This was surely a record set by the company.

Along with it, the majority of their fleet now has inward-facing dash cameras turned on, and by August 2024, they are aiming to have 100% of them in place.

Conclusion

Dashcams are a crucial part of any professional use truck. It should not be considered a piece of equipment anymore but rather, a necessity. For real-life experiences check out our testimonials from companies who rely on dashcams as an integral part of their daily operations

There are many options available in the market. If you want to improve fleet safety invest in dash cameras and improve fleet safety. Get your dash cams at the best prices now.