Dashcams are becoming an essential tool for businesses with transportation capabilities. From large logistics companies to simple pizza delivery, dashcams have become a great way for companies to protect themselves and their drivers. These devices can provide real-time insight into vehicle operation and driver behavior, helping businesses have better operations and safer policies.
Let’s start with some of the basics if you are looking into dashcams for the first time. There are several different types of dashcams or combinations of dashcams to be aware of all at different price points.
Front-Facing Dashcams
Front-facing dashcams are the most basic type, they have a camera that faces out the front windshield and is meant to capture everything that happens in front of the car. These cameras can be mounted on either the windshield or the dash. These sorts of cameras are mostly used for recording road incidents and wrecks. Front-facing dashcams use a wide-angle lens to capture as much as they can.
Dual-facing Dashcams
Dual-facing dashcams are a lot like front-facing dashcams, except that they have a second camera that records the inside of the cabin. These are especially useful for fleet owners who want to monitor both driver behavior and road conditions.
Interior Camera Setup
This type of dashcam is usually placed in the vehicle’s cargo holder or bay. This allows you to monitor your payload and make sure items are staying secure. These are often utilized when carrying precious cargo such as chemicals, valuable, and other high-value/sensitive materials.
Exterior Camera Setup
This is a dashcam or camera system that uses cameras outside of the vehicle. It allows fleet managers to see all angles or specific angles outside of a vehicle.
Multi-point System
A multi-point dashcam system uses both regular dashcams and an exterior camera setup to monitor all aspects of the vehicle. This system can also include a camera pointed at the driver. The fleet manager can then monitor how drivers are reacting to scenarios and the factors surrounding the vehicles.
Dashcam Storage Types
There are two main dashcam storage methods that most of the industry uses. Both have their positives and negatives, and some devices even use a combination of the two.
SD Card Dashcams
These dashcams record footage on an SD card and must be taken out of the device to then have their footage stored somewhere else. These cameras are simple and frequently less expensive than their networked equivalents. Sometimes an SD card may be included with an internet-connected dashcam, but that usually just acts as a backup.
Internet-Connected Dashcams
Internet-connected dashcams, or cloud dashcams, provide the functionality to upload footage directly to a cloud server. These dashcams usually use a hotspot whether on the device or a separate mobile hotspot to upload footage to the cloud. This feature makes it so fleet managers can view this footage in real time and can monitor driver behavior. These types of dashcams are more advanced and are more expensive.
Determining Your Dashcam Needs
Choosing the right dashcam for your needs is going to be dependent on a couple of different factors such as:
Industry
Size of the Vehicle
Cargo
Price point
You’re Fleets Needs
How Many Dashcams Do You Need?
Best for Small Vehicles or Passenger Vehicles:
Front-facing and dual-facing dashcams are most likely best for these operations. They are relatively low cost as you don’t have to pay for multiple cameras. You can at least view the road in front of the vehicle and who is driving the vehicle.
Best for Complex Logistics Operations:
Most companies will need at least a dual-facing camera setup, but most will need a multi-point system to watch their payload as well. Since the cargo that they carry is so vital to their business model, they should have as many protections as they can. These systems can also be a great addition in congested urban areas or that need to record interactions with other vehicles and pedestrians.
Common Dashcam Features to Look For
When picking dashcams for your fleet, the features available can have a considerable impact on their effectiveness and how you use these devices. While not every dashcam may have these features, these are some of the most important features to look for because they will affect how you can best utilize these devices. Some of these features include:
Automatic Turn-On
Dashcams with automatic start will begin recording as soon as the vehicle’s engine is turned on. This is because the device will be connected to the vehicle’s engine, so as the vehicle starts, so does the device. This helps drivers not have to worry about starting the device or managing it. It helps save time and lowers the chance of missing an event because a driver forgot to turn on the device.
Automatic Recording
Automatic recording, like automatic turn-on, guarantees that the dashcam will record events as they are happening. So a device can be on, however, it may not be recording video until and even triggers the recording. For instance, a vehicle could be driving and slam on its brakes, which could trigger the dashcam to record. You can also have dashcams record the time before an event occurs. So the camera would capture the first 10 seconds before an event occurs.
Loop Recording Capabilities
If you are using an SD card, looping capabilities are really important. Loop recording allows the dashcam to overwrite the oldest footage with new recordings once the memory card reaches its capacity. Loop recording can essentially mean that you can use the same SD card over and over again. When an event does happen, you’ll just need to transfer that footage to another device when an event occurs.
Memory Card Lock Cover
If you are planning on using an SD card, you’ll most likely want a memory card lock cover. This ensures that the memory card can’t be tampered with as it’s been locked down. This helps maintain the integrity of the recorded data, especially in the event of an incident involving legal proceedings.
Parking Mode
This feature allows your dashcam to record even while you are parked. This is extremely important because accidents can often happen even when a vehicle is parked. Someone can back into a vehicle, they could hit you on the side of the road, and so many other scenarios.
GPS Location
Some GPS devices can be outfitted with GPS data so fleet managers can not only view a live feed of what’s happening with the vehicle, can also help manage where drivers are. This can help direct drivers around traffic or construction and provide clear directions. Moreover, these types of dashcams work well with fleet management software.
Night Vision
For long-haul trucking, night vision is a must and makes sure that all events can be recorded regardless of the time. These cameras use infrared or other enhanced imaging technologies to capture clear footage.
Wide-Angle Recording
While this is common for most dashcams, you want to ensure that you’ll have a wide-angle lens for your camera. You’ll want at least a 130-degree angle for your devices.
High-Resolution Capabilities
Resolution refers to the clearness of the picture recorded. The higher the resolution, the more detailed the image will be. Resolution of 1080p is generally accepted as great for dashcams, however, 4K resolution offers even greater detail. A higher resolution will mean that you need larger storage capacities to handle that information. For more information about storage capacity, consider our article here.
Reasons to Use a Dashcam
Dashcams are becoming a necessity for most businesses and even some personal use. These devices are easy to use and make for an effective documentation device. Here are some of the key reasons you should consider using a dashcam.
Document Crimes as They Take Place
Dashcams are impartial witnesses to an accident or crime. They are useful tools for documenting how events happened and how they could have been prevented. Dashcams are important because you have proof of a crime, not just the word of your driver. Whether it’s capturing a hit-and-run incident, vandalism, or theft, a dashcam can help protect your business.
Pair with Fleet Management Systems for Better Management
Integrating dashcams with smart fleet management systems can dramatically improve fleet monitoring and optimization capabilities. A fleet manager can have access to real-time footage, route monitoring, and monitor driver behavior. You can implement best practices, ensure your fleet is compliant, and reduce wasted fuel or resources.
Spot Haphazard Driving and Provide Coaching
When you use a dual-facing camera, you can view how your driver is performing under certain pressures. Some dashcams are equipped with smart technology that can flag when a driver is distracted and can alert the driver and fleet manager. Regular reviewing of footage can help create better policies. You can even develop a reward system based on good behavior.
Boost Driver Confidence
Drivers can feel more confident knowing that dashcam film can exonerate them in the event of an accident that is not their fault. They don’t have to worry about their employer having their back because they’ll have the footage.
Relatively Easy Setups
Think setting up a dashcam takes hours? Try minutes! Most dashcams can be installed within minutes even when having to set up an internet connection. This process can go even faster if you are using a certified supplier who will do this for you.
Reduce Liability and Potentially Lower Insurance Costs
Dashcams can help you reduce liability in a car crash as you will have evidence if you are not at fault. Additionally, some insurance companies will also lower premiums if you use a dashcam in your vehicles. However, this is dependent on your insurance provider. They also may offer discounts for their services when you use their devices.
Enhance Customer Trust
Dashcams showcase a commitment to security and accountability in enterprises that deal with freight or passengers. A customer can put their trust in a business that shows how seriously they take their operation and can ensure safety.
Cost of Dashcams
When contemplating adding dashcams to your fleet, price is often the first thing that dictates what you will purchase. Second is often features and capabilities. Obviously the more advanced the device, the more expensive. You can expect a dashcam to cost around $100-$500 per device, and buying in bulk may lower the cost of the devices. This price point will be dependent on:
The number of lenses
Features of device
Integrations
Recording resolution
Installation fees
Data Storage
And more!
If you’d like a full breakdown of costs, consider our article here:
You could buy individual dashcams for your vehicles on sites like Amazon, and that may be the best decision if you have a small fleet and don’t mind handling the maintenance all by yourself. However, most companies should look at verified seller or telematics companies that sell their specific dashcams. Oftentimes, they have a better range of products designed specifically for fleets. Additionally, they often have support teams to help walk you through setups and maintenance. They also often provide warranties for their products as well. Consider doing some of these things when looking for a provider:
Research different dashcam models and providers
Read reviews of specific companies
Compare multiple options before choosing a provider
FAQ About Dashcams
What are the legal implications of using dashcams in fleet vehicles?
It is generally safe to film on public roads, however, there are specific rules for private property. There are also local laws on filming inside cabins that you’ll need to check before using these devices.
How can dashcams reduce my fleet’s insurance costs?
This is dependent on the insurance provider, however, many insurance providers will offer a discount for using dashcams in your fleet vehicles. However, it is not guaranteed.
Can dashcams operate in extreme weather conditions?
Most dashcams stay safely inside the cabin of the vehicle and can survive dramatic temperature changes. External cameras are often built to withstand extreme weather changes, however, you’ll want to consult with the manufacturer before choosing a provider.
How long do dashcams store footage?
This depends on the storage capacity and recording quality. Most dashcams employ loop recording, which overwrites previous footage with new unless it saves specific data. The higher the resolution, the higher the SD card you’ll need. Cloud storage will be dependent on these factors as well.
Can I use a consumer dashcam for my fleet?
While consumer dashcams are often more affordable, they may not offer the durability or the comprehensive features offered through commercial dashcams.
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