How side view cameras protect fleets

This article is part of a series sponsored by IAT Insurance Group.

Lane change events and side lobe collisions are becoming increasingly common, but rarely identified.

Nearly 75% of large trucks involved in fatal crashes collided with another vehicle, including side rings and merger accidents. In 63% of fatal crashes, the critical striking incident involved another vehicle, person or object entering the truck lane, while 32% had at least one driver-related factor, such as interference or inattention.

There are so many variables and legal responsibilities often in the game before confirming the facts, so the fleet needs more than just eyewitness accounts. They need clear evidence so that defenses can be established based on facts. Side view cameras are an increasingly important tool to provide clear, impartial evidence to protect drivers, verify what actually happened and quickly resolve claims.

Common crash scenarios where blaming is not always clear

Large truckers challenge road challenges every day, and when it comes to that, cameras can make a significant difference. Think about turning right, impatient drivers at intersections at intersections, fast moving vehicles woven through highway lanes, and more. Although experienced operators know how to deal with these conditions, this does not always protect them or the business when problems arise.

These are some of the most common situations where crashes occur and blame complexity:

• Right hand squeeze accident: When the truck is ready to turn right (especially at an intersection), passenger cars often misjudgment the available space and try to pass through the right. This can cause side slip. These accidents are especially common when the driver cannot explain the wide road radius of an 80-foot vehicle.
• The trailer at the end of the trailer at the intersection: Even if performed correctly, the width of the right or left can cause the truck’s rear end to temporarily cross the adjacent lane, which poses a risk if nearby drivers do not pay attention or try to beat the turn.
• Interstates on lanes change: Cars traveling from behind can easily disappear into the blind spots of trucks, especially on large highways with multiple lanes. Even if the driver checks the mirror, vehicles traveling at 80 to 90 mph may close the gap too quickly to react.

These events often unfold in blind spots within seconds. Even if your driver follows the protocol, it is not uncommon to blame the truck company first. Without video evidence, disputes become a problem against words, and uncertainty drives the cost of claims through lengthy legal procedures and exaggerated solutions. Fuzzy liability cases are high risk and high cost, putting pressure on carriers and policyholders to find better ways to verify and defend the facts.

Real-world example: When video makes a difference

In a recent incident, an independent single unit owner – the operator found himself in a familiar but frustrating situation – another driver tried to squeeze into the front lane of the truck, resulting in smaller side walls. Fortunately, the driver installed a basic triple camera system on his truck, with coverage on both sides and front. He captured the entire incident on the video.

When law enforcement arrived, the truck driver simply played the video from his SD card. This clearly shows that another driver was at fault with little contact between vehicles (if any). Based on this evidence, the official sent the citation to another driver. Denied the claims of physical damage and personal injury.

When asked why he installed the camera, the driver did not hesitate: “It’s just common sense.” Over the past 20 years behind the steering wheel, he saw so many situations, namely “other drivers do crazy things around the truck” and the constant ads for lawyers for freight companies, and he knew it was only a matter of time. He also didn’t let the cost get in the way – he chose three $50 units and large SD memory cards for full and front coverage. In his words, this is “of course a good reward.”

Best practices for using side view cameras

The side view camera is mounted on both sides of the truck, providing visibility for the merged area, steering path and adjacent lanes. When paired with the dash, they provide nearly 360 degrees of view and lens to help defend the driver and resolve claims faster. In some cases, the driver even displayed law enforcement videos at the scene of the accident to clarify the facts and avoid unnecessary citations.

To maximize your investment value, here are the key best practices for choosing, installing and using side view cameras:

• Installation between both parties: To accurately capture turn and merge events, you need to cover on the left and right sides of the vehicle.
• Pair with front camera: Side view cameras are helpful, but they are most effective when paired with the front camera (which is an essential initial installment) that provides a complete background.
• Trailer swap account: If your fleet changes trailers frequently, install a camera on the tractor (not the trailer) to ensure continuous coverage. For fleets that keep trailers attached (such as some mobile and storage companies), adding a rear camera may also be a good idea.
• Select a system connected to the cloud: Some systems use onboard SD cards, while others provide cloud-based access. Cloud-connected systems can provide real-time video recording on site and reduce the risk of data loss.
• Get to know your suppliers: Find trusted providers that offer commercial-grade systems, mobile access, and integration with other fleet management tools.
• Using lenses far exceeds the claim: The video was not only due to accidents. It can help you guide the driver, identify close-range misses and improve fleet safety practices.

Control your claim, no matter who is wrong

Adding side view cameras is not only a technology upgrade, but also an action of intelligent risk management. Savings with claims settlement, legal fees and reputation protection often far outweigh the costs. Even if your driver is at fault, clear video evidence can enable you to quickly assess the situation, assume responsibility and resolve claims in a way that avoids unnecessary disputes and brings lawsuits.

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Have questions about how to mitigate risks? Email losecontroldirect@iatinsurance.com to have the opportunity to view and answer your questions in a future blog.

Author: Dewayne Reeder