The Makers Of DriveCam Just Took Driver Surveillance To A Whole New Level

The Makers Of DriveCam Just Took Driver Surveillance To A Whole New Level

The new program called ‘Unisyn’ boasts the ability to record from multiple cameras continuously, without the need for a safety trigger. Lytx says the “always-on” recording featured can record and store up to seven days of continuous footage.

I just don't get how companies will be able to pay for the amount of data storage and maintenance this will require.

I would be willing to guess this is created for things such as oilfield work and fuel hauling. But because of the way the article is written, people will start freaking out.

I would be willing to guess this is created for things such as oilfield work and fuel hauling. But because of the way the article is written, people will start freaking out.

Even the official press release is vague as to how or where this technology might be put in to use. It will be interesting to follow and see how it all comes in to play.

Not in my Truck. I have to draw the line SOMEWHERE!

Not in my Truck. I have to draw the line SOMEWHERE!

Sorry TM - it's the company's truck, that you signed on to drive. I'm sure the company would be more than happy for you to seek employment elsewhere, should you decide the surveillance equipment they install to be too much for you to bear.

You can still cover the inside cab lens when off duty. For better or worse - if (as a driver) you aren't doing anything wrong - these systems could save your career or even your FREEDOM, in an accident where you are accused of negligence and the recordings prove you WERE NOT.

As far as STORAGE goes - storage is CHEEP and getting cheeper by the minute. As are the compression algorithms for the audio/video streams.

I always figure, if you're not doing ANYTHING WRONG, then you've got nothing to worry about. If you ARE - then these enhanced systems are going to catch you sooner than later.

Rick

Enough is enough. When this gets installed I'll politely move on to another employer.

I say bring it on sucka! I'll sleep in the nude facing the back of the cab ..they can take video of my booty all night long!

Even the official press release is vague as to how or where this technology might be put in to use. It will be interesting to follow and see how it all comes in to play.

The press release looked pretty clear to me Anchorman. This is some new software that collates multiple video feeds. How it will be put in to use is through multiple (as many as you want) video cameras and where it will be put into use is at any company who pays for their services. Accessible from your Iphone if you want.

Personally, I could care less because with the way my mind works, I'll wind up doing something (not while driving obviously) that will make them never want to turn on my camera again.

My curiosity is this. With recent reports showing that in most cases of accidents between 4 wheelers and big trucks being the fault of the 4 wheeler, why are so many companies intent on watching their drivers but don't also install dash cams to view the outside world? I for one would think that if you were really wanting to protect your company and your investment, you would want to see both ends of the spectrum.

I spent about an hour (yes, I need to get a life...) exploring the Lytx website. I read their press releases, their blog, and many repetitive pages describing the services that they offer. They also have several white pages and feedback reports from some of their clients (whose websites I also visited).

What I find revealing is that everyone of their clients who provided feedback state that they use these systems in this order:

to increase profits

to aid driver training (coaching)

increase driver retention

reduce liability

I think that's quite telling. Granted, I'm not comfortable living under the constant eye of live cameras, but I understand some of the motivation for using them.

Consider this: Is it profitable to install such a system in a truck with a driver who makes the miles, delivers on-time, makes gas mileage bonuses, does not have excessive maintenance or repair issues with equipment, and has no accidents or violations?

Some companies reported that they saw a reduction in accidents and citations within just 3 months of installing cameras. There is no way that even a small company could review enough film to find and respond to driver behavior issues in such a short time period. Clearly the simple presence of the cameras must have inspired some drivers to conduct themselves more appropriately.

Driver training and retention reflects the fact that it is more profitable for the company to help you keep your job than it is to train your replacement.

I don't like the idea that I may have to live with a camera in my truck, and I hope that there are multiple safeguards in place to prevent inappropriate use of the cameras, but I do acknowledge the companies right and motivation to install them.

Big Brother is certainly out there. That's why its so important for us - the little brothers and sisters - to look out for each other and collectively stand to keep the corporate overseers in check (but I'm not going to stand on that soapbox right now... maybe later, but not right now).