Driver Facing Cam Question

So I've been driving for 2 months. I was very lucky to land this local job making 70k/year straight out of CDL school. I drive around 450-500 miles a day with 1-3 stops each day. This is the best job I've ever had. I love truck driving. I love the small company I drive for. The only negative really is the driver facing cameras. What real benefit do they provide for the motor carrier? They have HD camera systems now that are forward facing (we use those) and also can record both sides of the truck all the way to the back of the trailer. If the other vehicle's driver is at fault, the video will show irrefutable proof of it 100% of the time. Does it really matter what the truck driver was doing at the time of the accident if there's absolute proof it was the other driver's fault? Another scenario, let's say the truck driver was being stupid and texting and was at fault. Does the video showing the driver texting absolve the motor carrier or insurance company of financial liability if sued?

So you can't even pick your nose without being seen? Big Booger is watching!

So you can't even pick your nose without being seen? Big Booger is watching!

Haha! That's right! And they post the footage of the forward and driver facing cameras on the company YouTube channel.

Think about this... it protects YOU. "Your driver was texting when i tried to pass him and wasnt paying attention"

"Nope, our driver was using all mirrors and was wide awake, etc"

i dont understand all the hype a out the cameras. be watched at a bank or post office for years then the camera becomes invisible.

"i want my privacy" you are at work, you have no privacy. "i dont want them seeing me naked" then thriw a shirt over it...or strip for it, may e you will get better miles who knows? if i was really mad at dispatch, id strip and they would die from fright lol

Think about this... it protects YOU. "Your driver was texting when i tried to pass him and wasnt paying attention"

"Nope, our driver was using all mirrors and was wide awake, etc"

i dont understand all the hype a out the cameras. be watched at a bank or post office for years then the camera becomes invisible.

"i want my privacy" you are at work, you have no privacy. "i dont want them seeing me naked" then thriw a shirt over it...or strip for it, may e you will get better miles who knows? if i was really mad at dispatch, id strip and they would die from fright lol

Thanks. Doesn't answer my questions though. Many people get into truck driving because they want a job with freedom and no boss watching their every move. It should be about moving goods safely from point A to point B. Not, "Well what were YOU doing when the other driver swerved into your lane and hit your trailer."

Frankly I'm with Rainy, and some of our other experienced drivers on this-- if you're doing your job the way you're supposed to be it shouldn't be an issue. I think it is an issue for many since by one interpretation it looks like a lack of faith in the driver, assuming they're a true professional. Problem being the professionals are outnumbered ten to one by drivers who you *do* need to worry about what they're doing.

I saw Old School mention some time ago though that Knight/other companies/industry in general? Did some studies and found that the driver facing camera really wasn't worth too much. If I am recalling the thread correctly anyways.

What real benefit do they provide for the motor carrier?

the answer was "The carrier can prove you were alert, paying attention and doing your job"

you assume that all dashcams will catch the culprit in the act.

heres an example... a drunk driver made a right turn into my tandems.

a forward camera wouldnt catch that. was it his fault? absolutely and i had witnesses.

if that driver tried to claim i wasnt paying attention and crossed lanes or didnt see him the driver facing cam would have caught me proving him wrong.

sure, in a perfect world all dash cams would catch the other driver doing something wrong. But you are choosing just one scenario in a sea of possibilities.

Does the video showing the driver texting absolve the motor carrier or insurance company of financial liability if sued?

that could depend on company policy and company vs lease ops.

For example, one of our idiot lease ops hit a 12 ft clearance today. Because it was negligence, that lease op is not covered under the lease op insurance, therefore instead of paying $1000 deductible, he will have a $10,000 bill. and we dont have forward facing cams.

if the camera can prove negligence on the driver, the company is not absolved. and will have to pay out.

If someone is texting, falling asleep at the wheel, or not watching mirrors do you want him on the road with the rest of us?

So I did a little research and found my answers. If you're at fault in an accident and there's visual proof you were even slightly distracted, financial liability shifts from the insurance company and motor carrier, to you. Even taking a sip of soda could financially ruin you for life.

https://www.wpmhlegal.com/Commercial-Trucking-Accidents/Who-Is-Liable-in-a-Truck-Accident-Lawsuit.shtml

But you have to understand, people do stupid things. a guy was taking his jacket off and killed someone a couple months ago.

So I did a little research and found my answers. If you're at fault in an accident and there's visual proof you were even slightly distracted, financial liability shifts from the insurance company and motor carrier, to you. Even taking a sip of soda could financially ruin you for life.

https://www.wpmhlegal.com/Commercial-Trucking-Accidents/Who-Is-Liable-in-a-Truck-Accident-Lawsuit.shtml

Sorry, I didn't post the link correctly.

Company drivers can be sued