Why Every Trucker Needs a Dash Cam

With so much time spent on the road, many truck drivers have found that using dash cams is an easy and affordable way to protect themselves in the event of an accident. There are a lot of different high quality dashboard cameras available to truckers, and there are even more good reasons to install one or more cameras on your rig.

Your employer may require the installation and use of a dash cam; but if they don’t, you can always request one for your own peace of mind. Many fleet managers know the benefits of having camera recorders for their truckers, and they will be open to adding a quality dashboard camera to your rig since it can help protect the company, too.

Benefits of using a dash cam

There are many benefits of installing a dash cam in your cab. Below are some of the most common reasons truckers see dash cams as necessary accessories when driving OTR.

Evidence in a Car Accident

This is the most common reason drivers want dash cams. If an accident occurs that involves a semi truck, the police will almost always place the fault on the trucker first. Without indisputable evidence (like video footage) of safe driving, truckers can be liable for the accident.

Training

If you’re working for a company and need to train new drivers, your company may install a dash cam and use the HD video footage in the training materials provided to new employees. The footage can be used to point out things the driver did right or to highlight specific driving situations new drivers may encounter. Dash cams may also be installed in cabs of newer drivers to facilitate coaching. The trainer can review the footage in real-time or at a later date and provide feedback and coaching without having to be with the trainee 24/7.

Protect Your Property

Some dash cams and rear cameras can be set to record even if the truck isn’t moving. This can be especially useful if you sleep in your cab. It’s also useful for those times when you come out of a truck stop to see a ding on your rig. If you set your dash cam to record before heading inside you can review the footage and find the person responsible for the damage.

With wide-angle lenses, high-definition footage, dual-facing cameras, and the ability to capture license plate numbers of other drivers, you will be able to turn over evidence to the police in the event your truck is damaged while on the road or while parked.

Reduce Insurance Rates

You may be surprised to learn that many insurance companies offer discounts if you have a quality dash cam. If you decide to mount a dash cam, be sure to notify your insurance company and ask about a rate discount. Even if they don’t offer a discount, you’ll find that submitting claims with dash cam footage will be much easier on you and your wallet.

Which dash cam is best for truckers?

There are many options available for truckers looking to mount a dash cam in their cab. Below are some points to consider when determining which camera is best for you.

Price

Dash cams are available in just about every price range. Some also require subscriptions for premium features. Compare prices online and in stores, and be sure to get the features you want. Features like a one-year warranty, full HD, wi-fi compatibility, iOS or Android functionality, and night vision may add to the price tag, so it’s important to prioritize the features that you want in your dash camera.

Storage

It is critical to know where your footage is stored. Some dashboard cameras use microSD cards or SD cards (memory cards), and some upload high-quality video footage to the cloud. Wherever the video recording exists, make sure you know how to access it and how long it is available.

Multi-Cam Compatible

Most dash cams record events in front of the driver, but there are systems on the market that include an additional camera to monitor what is going on behind the truck. Rear view dash cams sometimes offer motion detection when in parking mode so that you can be alerted if something is going on around your truck while you’re resting or parked at a truck stop.

Mounts

When comparing models, make sure that the mount style works for your cab. You don’t want the camera to obstruct your view of the road once it’s mounted. Some dashboard cameras are mounted with suction cups to the windshield, while others have stands that mount to the dashboard itself. Depending on whether the screen is a touchscreen or not may determine where and how you mount it in your truck.

GPS Tracking

Some models offer GPS tracking that shows when and where the footage was taken. This can be very helpful if you’re using video evidence in the event of a truck accident.

Microphone

If your front-facing dash camera has a microphone it can also record anything you say while driving. This can be particularly useful if you’re recording footage for training purposes.

Can a dash cam get you in trouble?

In the case of an accident, dash cam footage can be used to show definitively that you were alert, not distracted, obeying all traffic laws, and not driving recklessly. However, if you were not obeying all traffic laws, or were texting while driving, the recordings from your dashboard camera will likely have a negative impact on your case.