Navigating the world of commercial dashcams can be an intricate journey filled with technical terms and features that may seem bewildering. The key to simplifying this journey is understanding the right questions to ask.
In this article, we at MacTrack—leaders in the fleet tracking Australia industry—aim to answer the most commonly asked questions about commercial dashcams, covering everything from how they work, their benefits, and privacy considerations to their potential impact on insurance claims.
Top questions about dashcams
Below we give away the answers to some of our most asked questions about dashcams. Learn more about the quality dashcam offered by MacTrack—the MacTrack sAInt Dash Camera.
How do fleet dashcams work?
Fleet dashcams, specifically designed for businesses with multiple vehicles typically come with GPS tracking systems and may also have cloud storage and connectivity features. This allows the business to monitor all of their vehicles in real-time, access footage remotely, and have a backup of all recordings. They also commonly include features like incident alerts and driver behaviour monitoring.
What are the benefits of using dashcams in a commercial setting?
There are numerous benefits for businesses that deploy dashcams. Primarily, they help enhance driver safety by encouraging responsible driving behaviour. In the case of accidents, dashcam footage can serve as unbiased evidence to determine who was at fault. They also assist in deterring fraudulent claims against the company and can be used for training purposes to improve driver performance. Furthermore, certain insurance companies offer discounts to businesses using dashcams, resulting in financial savings.
Can dashcam footage be used in court?
Yes, dashcam footage can and often does serve as vital evidence in court proceedings. This type of footage offers a visual record of events, which can be crucial in scenarios such as traffic accidents, criminal activities, or disputes about fault. However, the court’s acceptance of dashcam footage as evidence isn’t automatic; it depends on several factors—this could include whether the footage definitively captures the event and if the footage is clear enough. Opting for a high-quality dashcam is recommended so that the footage is of a good standard.
Do dashcams have WiFi?
Yes, many modern dashcams like the MacTrack sAInt come equipped with Wi-Fi capabilities. This allows the dashcam to connect to nearby devices and offers several benefits. For example, you’ll be able to download and save recorded footage directly on your device without the need to remove the dashcam’s memory card—this makes it much more convenient to save important video clips or share them, for example, with an insurance company following an accident. The WiFi connectivity also allows for easier updates to the dashcam’s firmware, ensuring it’s always running the latest software version.
How can dashcams reduce costs for businesses?
Firstly, dashcams can discourage risky driving behaviour, which in turn can reduce the frequency of accidents and thereby the costs associated with them. They can also help prevent unwarranted legal actions by providing a factual account of incidents. Some insurance companies offer premium discounts to companies that utilise dashcams, acknowledging the role of these devices in promoting safer driving habits. Lastly, they can reduce fuel costs by encouraging more efficient driving styles.
What are the privacy considerations when installing dashcams?
Western Australia, like other parts of the world, places a significant emphasis on privacy and data protection. As such, businesses are required to inform all employees about the installation and use of dashcams. This involves explaining their purpose, whether that’s to improve driver safety, monitor vehicle use, or provide evidence in the event of a traffic incident.
Furthermore, businesses need to communicate their data retention and access policies. Employees should understand who will have access to the footage, how long the footage will be retained, and under what circumstances it might be shared (for instance, with insurance companies following an accident).
Do some dashcams have both inward and outward cameras?
Yes, some dashcams, such as the MacTrack sAInt, do have both inward-facing and outward-facing cameras. These are often referred to as dual-facing or dual-lens dashcams. The outward-facing camera records everything that happens on the road ahead, just like a traditional dashcam. The inward-facing camera, on the other hand, captures what’s happening inside the vehicle, including driver behaviour. This can be particularly valuable in commercial settings, where monitoring driver behaviour can help identify unsafe practices, provide evidence in case of accidents or disputes, and inform driver training programmes.
How can dashcams influence driver behaviour?
A dashcam can significantly influence a driver’s behaviour. When drivers are aware that their actions are being recorded, it encourages responsible driving and adherence to road rules. Additionally, dashcam footage provides a valuable resource for driver training, allowing for the review and improvement of driving habits. Dashcams can foster a culture of safety, but for maximum impact, businesses should clearly communicate that the purpose of these devices is to promote safety and improvement, not just surveillance.
Do dashcams include GPS?
Yes, many modern dashcams, like the MacTrack sAInt, include a global positioning system (GPS) as part of their feature set. A GPS tracking module in a dashcam serves several purposes. First, it allows the device to record the vehicle’s location in real-time. This data can be overlaid on the video footage, providing a clear indication of where certain events happened. In the case of a commercial fleet, this can be particularly helpful for fleet managers in monitoring the routes and locations of their vehicles. Second, GPS data can also record the speed of the vehicle. This can provide crucial context in the event of an incident or accident, helping to determine whether speed was a factor.
How do dashcams affect insurance policies and claims?
Dashcams play an instrumental role in insurance claims by providing clear, visual evidence of incidents. Their most critical contribution lies in their ability to help determine fault in the event of an accident. This objective record of events can dispel any disputes or conflicting stories about what transpired, allowing insurance companies to establish who was responsible more straightforwardly.
Moreover, dashcam footage is particularly useful in handling ‘hit and run’ cases. If a driver flees the scene of an accident, the dashcam might capture their vehicle’s licence plate or other identifying features, which can be invaluable in tracking them down and making a successful insurance claim.
In some instances, insurance companies might offer discounts to companies who use dashcams in their fleets, seeing them as a tool that promotes safer driving and helps in accurate claim resolution—this means you can look at installing dashcams in your vehicles as an investment.
What is the MacTrack sAInt Dash Camera?
Introducing the MacTrack sAInt Dash Camera, the advanced new product designed to redefine safety and performance in fleet management. We named this dashcam the ‘sAInt’ for a reason: it’s always watching out for you and your drivers, providing support in those crucial moments when human vulnerability can lead to errors in judgement, especially during long, solitary drives.
Our MacTrack sAInt is not just an ordinary dashcam. It’s an all-in-one fleet-connected camera that offers a level of duty of care that goes above and beyond. It’s like having an extra pair of eyes on the road, constantly alert to the challenges of the driving environment.
This innovative device optimises safety performance, protects your valued drivers, and captures crucial data from inside the vehicle. It combines real-time video footage with data and analytics, such as GPS location and speed, offering a comprehensive overview of each journey.
With the MacTrack sAInt, you can track the precise performance of your drivers, identifying instances of harsh cornering, hard braking, stop sign, and speed limit violations. This innovative technology acts as a silent co-driver, providing insights into when your drivers may be tired, distracted, or driving aggressively.
But the features don’t stop there. The MacTrack sAInt Dash Camera also offers:
- Real-Time fleet tracking: Know where your vehicles are at any given moment.
- Temperature resistant: Built to withstand varying weather conditions.
- 2-way dash cam: Inward and outward cameras for a comprehensive view.
- 4C LTE Cat.6 & dual-band WIFI: For seamless, high-speed connectivity.
- Over-the-air firmware & setting updates: Keep your device updated effortlessly.
- Comprehensive satellite tracking & automotive dead reckoning: For accurate positioning.
- 3-axis G-sensor & gyro support: Accurate movement detection and orientation.
- Qualcomm Octa-core & Android 9.0: Powerful processing and user-friendly interface.
- Open APIs & SDK: Allows seamless integration with your existing fleet management solutions.
Experience the evolution of fleet management with the MacTrack sAInt Dash Camera. Your drivers might be working independently, but with the MacTrack sAInt, they’ll never be working alone.
Conclusion
From enhancing driver safety to influencing insurance premiums, the benefits are clear—dashcams serve as an invaluable tool and solution to commercial needs. The MacTrack sAInt, with its advanced safety-centric features, stands out as a trusted choice for businesses with vehicle fleets.
Ready to upgrade your fleet management? Reach out to our team today. With MacTrack, your drivers work independently but never alone. Choose MacTrack, prioritising your fleet’s safety and efficiency.
