Van firms using in-cab cameras
Date: 27/06/2008 14:06:02
Firms with fleets of vans are using new in-cab camera technology in an effort to save thousands of pounds in repair work following accidents.
The Times reports companies are using the SmartDrive device, which uses a motion sensor triggered by sudden impacts.
According to the paper, the cameras work on a loop system and store 30-second clips of what happens during incidents.
Quoted by the paper, Roger Heels of West Horsley Dairy, Surrey, said: "The cameras act as a constant witness and we can see precisely what happened in situations where formerly it would just be one driver's word against another's."
The Times reports the dairy has already found the devices useful while making
van insurance claims, as footage proved one of its drivers was not at fault in an incident with a taxi.
Roadtransport.com said the SmartDrive system includes web analysis and risk management reviews plus a remote panic button which can be activated by drivers.