‘Crash For Cash’ Fraudulent Insurance Claims On The Rise
November 28, 2017
CASE STUDY – Martin Ryan & Sons Transport
December 6, 2017
We are often asked about where van fleet operators can place the cameras in their vehicles. The options are actually very varied and split into 3 key considerations: Recording of journey footage, driver safety and vehicle security.
So, let’s look at these options in turn:
Recording Journey Footage
The most obvious reason for getting vehicle cameras is to ensure that if an incident occurs, you have the footage recorded, which will protect you against fraudulent and no-fault claims. The most requested placement for this purpose on vans is a forward-facing camera (fitted just at the top of the windscreen, where the rear-view mirror would normally be) and also a rear camera. This second camera is installed either low down by the bumper or high up above the rear doors. The exact choice of which type to use will depend on the type of rear doors used and the primary purpose for the rear camera. For example, if you have a rear door that opens upwards then a top camera is not possible. But if you wish to monitor the rear of the van looking down, then a top camera is perfect.
In some cases, and especially for larger vans, you may opt for side-facing cameras. These are installed on the front quarter panel on the near-side or both near-side and off-side and records the view back along van.
Many fleet managers think that a single forward ‘dashcam’ type camera will suffice for a van, but there are many reasons why this just isn’t the case. Have a read of these two articles and you’ll understand why:
Throw Your Dashcam Away Article
Why You Need A Connected Plan Article
In summary, if your primary purpose for fitting camera to your van is protecting your fleet and managing risk, then you need at least front and rear cameras.
Driver Safety
Van drivers typically drive in and around cities and can be subject to abuse, road rage and physical attacks. In this case, all the cameras around the vehicle will not help if the driver is attacked in the cab.
If this is a concern for you, a dome camera installed inside the cab can capture the space and record anything untoward that happens.
A by-product of this is that, in the event of an accident, the driver will have evidence to show that they were paying attention to the road and were not on the phone or distracted in some other way.
Of course, the very presence of in-cab cameras has been shown to have a marked reduction in incidences of accidents caused by distraction and mobile use. So this is a win-win for fleet managers.
Vehicle Security
The nature of vans is that they carry goods and/or tools. This makes them a prime target for thieves. Cameras around and in the vehicle act as both deterrents and for evidence gathering.
Deterrent
Any camera system that does not have night vision is pointless. Additionally, you should look at a system that has ‘Delayed Switch-Off’. This allows the system to continue recording even when the engine is turned off. ProVision’s systems can be configured to run for up to 24 hours without engine power. Combined with night vision and signage on the vehicle, you have a powerful deterrent.
Obviously if you want to deter then the more cameras the better. A rear camera placed high and one covering the side sliding door means that anyone approaching the vehicle will be captured.
Evidence Gathering
If the thief persists and breaks into the vehicle, you’ll want to be sure you record what they get up to. Cameras can therefore be placed in the cab and also in the load space. Dome cameras can be placed strategically to cover the door areas, ensuring they get a front-on view of the thief.
Other considerations
Additional to the cameras, ProVision DVR units accept multiple data inputs that will trigger ‘events’. This can include alarm, doors opening, tailgate operating, reverse gear and indicators, among others. This allows you, the fleet manager to be immediately notified every time the van doors are opened, say outside of normal hours and in turn this creates an event recording for review.
So, whether you’re interested in safety or security or both, ProVision has the solution for your van fleet. Give us a call to find out more.
