Driver-facing camera might mark ‘the end’ of one driver’s career

Video_Camera_Trucker-3

I recently read some of the remarks that drivers made when asked about driving with cameras on you. The one that comes to mind is “I’d drive naked!” After a good laugh, I can personally tell you it is horrible having that thing three feet away from you keeping an eye on you. If you hit a bump, make a sudden move, brake a little harder than normal – these are some of the things that make that red light go on, so you know you are on-camera.

If the camera was just pointed out the front of the cab to witness what happens in front of you, I’d have no problem with it.

I recently left a good-paying job in the gasoline industry primarily because of the camera. It seems such a shame, with 39 years of experience and a clean record, that I have to say this might be the end for me if I can’t find a carrier without a camera.

In defense of the camera, it can at least save a company millions in the legal department. If I remember correctly, at the point of impact it can track back a short period of time, and it stays on some after an accident. It can help in the courtroom to find who is at fault. I would be interested to hear what a supervisor would think of having a camera in his car and in his office, given how they preach the benefits of having a camera. –Charlie LaPorta, Southington, Conn.

 

Access Overdrive’s 2014 “Video Witnesses” feature about the profusion of dual-camera devices among fleets at this link. 

To share a video from your forward-facing camera or view others in our Dashcam Central platform, follow this link.

The Business Manual for Owner-Operators
Overdrive editors and ATBS present the industry’s best manual for prospective and committed owner-operators. You’ll find exceptional depth on many issues in the 2022 edition of Partners in Business.
Download
Partners in Business Issue Cover