Driver-facing cameras alienate truck drivers
Let me start with this: I am adamantly opposed to driver-facing cameras, known as DFCs. They represent, quite simply, an invasion of privacy. There can be no legitimate argument in favor of them, not least because with modern telematics there are other ways to detect fatigue or inattention. And especially if the truck has a road-facing camera (RFC) there are also ways to see and then create teaching moments out of issues like following too close or hard braking, for instance. None of that is hard to do. Even without cameras, drivers and their behaviors can be very closely monitored.
I have no issue with cameras looking ahead, and in fact I would invite having one in my truck. I’m about to install a dash-cam in Dora the Explorer, my personal ride. But if I wandered into the terminal one night for a run to Winnipeg and found a new DFC on my dashboard, one that was going to watch my every move, I’d quit on the spot. Even if I had a mortgage and three kids wondering which college or university to attend.
In the broader picture I fear that we’re getting dangerously accustomed to living in a surveillance society, where virtually everything we do is recorded in one way or another. At the simplest level, traffic cams will catch us running a red light. CCTV systems in ordinary stores will see the desperate among us trying to pocket a pound of hamburger or a pair of socks and then leave without paying. We all know there are such devices and we can’t really argue about this sort of Big Brother control.
All that is the obvious stuff but then there’s the insidiously sneaky hidden cameras in a rented Airbnb apartment, as one of my daughters discovered on a recent trip to Georgia with friends. By all accounts this situation is increasingly common, and it demonstrates that cop-like surveillance is universally feasible. Yes, the girls moved out and got a refund.
But let’s get back to monitoring drivers by video means. DFC proponents claim that their purpose is “to develop a deeper understanding of coachable opportunities,” as one purveyor of the technology puts it, by watching what drivers do at the wheel. But again, aside from things like cellphone use and smoking in a no-smoking company truck, what will managers learn that can’t be learned in other ways? Ways that won’t intrude on the driver’s space and thus increase stress in an already stressful job. A sophisticated telematics system is going to see every hard-braking moment, for example, and an RFC that’s triggered by such an event will record the reason. It won’t do anyone much good to record the driver’s grimace when he realizes that he’s following too close if that was the cause, but if the brakes were hit with unusual force because some fool in another vehicle cut him off, well, there’s nothing to be learned except the difference between one kind of grimace and another.
It’s useful here to distinguish between the two kinds of DFCs. One is event-based, capturing video only when a sensor of some sort is triggered, recording immediately before, during, and after safety is compromised. The feed is usually uploaded wirelessly to external storage and/or directly to a manager’s computer. The question about who gets to see it can be contentious. Then there are continuously recording DFCs that are always on, allowing real-time monitoring of the driver and/or continuous uploading to a remote location. Some DFCs, the worst kind from my point of view, provide live-streaming such that a manager (or someone else?) can log in and see the truck driver in real time. The best DFC systems shut down automatically when the truck has been idle for a pre-set amount of time, when an automatic transmission is in park, or when the truck is shut down.
According to an extensive recent study sponsored by the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and led by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), DFCs are not widely used and get very low approval ratings from drivers – about 20% approval from those already using DFCs and about half that from those who have no experience yet. Some 2,100 drivers were surveyed.
“DFCs are not well utilized across the trucking industry,” says the ATRI Issues and Opportunities with DFCs report. The reasons? “Driver privacy issues/concerns; confusion over video use, personnel access and recording models; and concern that truck driver negligence, however subtle, will be highlighted.”
That last point is important. With good reason, I think, and not just in cases that go to litigation. Drivers are fearful that they’ll be subject to constant nitpicking by safety managers and whoever else might watch them driving. And in the event of a court case, they fear that their driving behavior will be used against them.
“The driver-facing camera can only add [additional footage] that will hurt the driver’s case, regardless of fault or no-fault incidents,” said one truckload driver quoted in the ATRI report. “Example, someone runs a red light and hits your truck; the road-facing camera proves you had a green light, but the driver-facing camera shows you were taking a drink at the moment of the crash. All the driver-facing camera does is provide ammo to lawyers or your own company to find you at fault.”
The ATRI survey included legal experts commenting on the use of DFC footage in litigation, also answering questions about the use of RFC footage. Obviously, their input suggested that the benefit of DFC footage can provide clear evidence of whether or not the driver was negligent.
They estimated that DFC video helps exonerate drivers in 49% of cases and substantiates their negligence in 39% of cases. About 12% of the time it does neither. They suggested that RFC footage would be more consistently beneficial to the defence, exonerating the driver (and carrier) 63% of the time.
But really, it’s mostly about privacy, not who or what is at fault. That’s particularly an issue with women drivers, who rated the DFC option 34% lower than men in terms of protecting their privacy, says the ATRI survey. “Several female drivers in the survey complained that they have experienced voyeurism, unwanted comments about their appearance, or even sexual harassment from employees tasked with reviewing DFC footage.”
“Female drivers were sexually harassed by staff members with access to the driver-facing cameras. For an OTR driver, it’s no different than if your employer had a camera facing you in your personal car, your working space, in your living room, your bedroom, your kitchen, and even your bathroom on occasion,” commented one driver.
Given such concerns, and they’re important ones, I just don’t see that the risk of further alienating existing drivers or those looking to enter the industry is worth it. They’re already an extremely nervous and unhappy bunch, over-regulated this way and that. The vast majority of them will see DFCs as implicit expressions of their guilt until proven innocent, as I would in their shoes. Proponents of DFC monitoring claim that accidents could be prevented and lives saved, though I don’t find their estimates plausible. Of course, those are worthy aims, but if the industry goes down this surveillance road we’ll slide into a hiring and retention challenge like we’ve never seen.
In any case, what we’re really dealing with here is a fancy ‘solution’ to compensate for our shortcomings, an expensive, complicated way to deal with mistakes made in the driver-hiring and training processes. In my eyes it’s yet another example – and there are many — of what seems like a good idea to an engineer or a marketing guy who has no clue whatsoever about the reality of life in the cab of a truck.
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I agree completely with this article. At our company they don’t put them in O/O’s truck stating the privacy would be violated. What makes a company driver any different isn’t his privacy being violated? In my mind the company only uses cameras to discipline drivers. I call them BIG BROTHER!!! Just my opinion but I think I’m not alone
Thanks Dan Coatsworth
You would quit on the spot. I doubt it if you had the mentioned responsibilities.
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I believe he would absolutely quit. There are so many driver jobs that another, with NO dfc, could be easily obtained.
Agreed. Drivers are hired to pick up & deliver, maintain his truck in good operating order, and keep his/her hours in accordance.
One question ❓
Why does business follow drivers home, and rule over the drivers private life.
Always thought ” don’t mix business with pleasure” was financially a health and prosperity #1 “Rights to life”.
Side mounted rear facing cameras are now being installed at my company. Getting outta control.
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I already quit trucking due to these cameras and a whole bunch of other factors. I drove around 1.5 million miles from coast to coast with NO incident and getting a ticket ever. But still you are not getting a level of respect you deserve. It’s not worth doing anymore!
My thoughts on the matter are in line with Rolf Lockwood, it wouldn’t be in a truck I’m driving & if it is installed, I’m gone, plain & simple. Take this job and shove it !
30 + years driving CL1/A, 47 years driving in total.
99% sure in saying that good truck drivers are a hard commodity to come by as it is right now, Do this and your gonna screw the trucking industry. It’s not good right now, just wait……it’s going to get worse.
Went to Mississauga to talk to a company about going to work for them. Their safety and retention/hiring guy was up front with me, if apologetic – they used DFCs. I asked if it could be removed, and was told no. So I walked. Waste of five hours driving and another at this outfit, but there’s no way I drive a vehicle with a driver facing camera.
Just another example of how drivers are treated these days. And then they wonder why people are leaving the industry, or avoiding it in the first place.
I agree with you 100 percent, I am fully in favor of rfc, it could save my but in an accident. But our former safety guy said that they have Dfc’s in our US trucks and they might be coming here. I told him that would be the time when I would decide if I wanted to work here anymore. I have been with the company for 18 years. I will ether cover it up or find a new job.
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You cover it up,and you’re terminated..that’s how it is at most companies…
Hello . Cameras faceing driver is not gonna stop a wreck from happen .I see no safety in it .if you’re in a wreck u are still getting sued and companies probably going to fire you. I been at this for over 40 year seen lot changes some ok some really bad . every group that want to push nonsense laws on trucks they all need to fix the problem that hand and no one I mean no one will address it .u fix common sense and stupidity trucking be better place.18 kids should not be driving across country . and now there doing a study to let driver drive high what wrong that picture you would not be able to fire any one hum no more drug test. But some were down this nightmare that happing to trucking industry .we’re is my privacy but any one have issue with what I said there number use it 815/530/6319
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No way would I accept a DFC. I am, as a person, entitled to privacy. I am not a laboratory animal to be watched and studied.
If they were in our trucks, I would cover it up and if pressed, I’d go down the street to another carrier on the spot.
This is the most accurate and to the point article I’ve read about inward facing cameras. People like to give a few of the negatives and then make excuses for why it’s not so bad. In reality it’s companies, desperate to hire anyone, even with questionable skills and poor attitude and let technology take over from there. This is the main reason I sold my truck after 45 years and 5.5 million accident free miles and retired.Unfortunately, older and experienced drivers get caught up in this as from a companies point of view it’s everyone or no one.
Agree 100% Rolph, every driver that finds this in their truck should give the company the option, take it out or I’m walking away now. Dash cams are a great idea, I have one in my pick up. Governors and eld were bad enough, if the company needs to watch every move I make they need to rethink the hiring process. Glad I got out fifteen years ago, miss the truck and the highway, can’t imagine being out there now the way things are.
Ive been out here 44 yrs ( acc. Free I might add ) and if any tryck I wasto drive had dfc ,id give them the option tske it out or I quit . This industry is alreasy wayyyyy toooo over regulated and the big co’s ins execs ,govt factions have gone crazy with regs. But never no solutions to the problems these regs cause . 🙁 im getting out of trkng soon 🙂 ive come to literally despise what its become 🙁
It’s true
Well said Rolf & I agree I’d feel like it would nitpicking & privacy invasions as well. I thing some of these companies feel they need they latest & greatest technologies on there trucks. When more often there’s better solutions. In a world where liability is becoming the biggest thing I’d thing the cameras down the sides would be more useful over the long term & like your article said better for the insurance & legal part of our industry. Excellent article.
I feel our industry is more controlled by liabilities and Insurance companies anymore then it used to be .
JB Hunt recently announced the DRF’s are going to be in all company trucks and many others are going to follow suit. I recently hired on with a small company that has DRF’s and was told that they didn’t want to install them but their insurance company basically held their coverage hostage. They were told to get cameras in their 15 trucks or find another insurance provider. So it goes far beyond the trucking companies. Just like ELD’s , they were once optional, they will become required. Speed governers are just a small step behind DRFs. Get ready drivers, this industry will not be recognizable in the very near future.
This garbage was brought up last year at a safety meeting last year at my company. They made it sound like a done deal and it probably was until 38 drivers walked out (the company only had about 40 or 45 full time drivers total). Funny how a little solidarity goes a long ways.
100% Agreed Mr Lockwood!
The carrier I leave my truck too, has begun installing dash cams in all trucks, including the O/O trucks. I asked, if that included driver facing cameras. I was told no, then asked my opinion about them. I told I would quit the day they were announced as mandatory. If the government mandated them, I was done with the industry. I would take my 30+ years of experience and become a Walmart greeter instead. Walmart greeters would have a better life balance, better hours, be home every day and NOT HAVE THEIR PERSONAL HOME video monitored by “someone” else.
As a truck driver as soon as the company said they were installing them I told them the day they went in would be my last day working there . They decided that they would only put them into new drivers trucks . Now they can’t keep the new drivers so they have removed them.
You are 100% right. DFCs are bullshit.
I’ve been driving for 19 years…I must point out one pertinent thing…we are getting PAID to be professional…I can’t stress to you enough the importance of accountability…I drove N.F.I…at the end of my 7 years they installed the cameras…and the cameras are not the issue..the issue is a human one..most drivers are rebellious in their lives period…lol..sorry but it’s true… they’re constantly putting up both middle fingers at anything that they have a problem with…so you can just add this to the very long list…lol..I was recently in an accident first one on the open road ..it totally destroyed my truck…no injuries outside of my own…my Garmin ,which I use as a cameras saved me…the trooper told me he wouldn’t be charging me..issued me a $214.00 ticket… I’m an owner operator and thank God everyday for my camera..it would’ve been an different outcome if I wasn’t first and foremost willing to let the camera make the argument of innocence for me…I appreciate your article..but you’re forgetting that people are the issue…period
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That’s a forward facing camera you are talking about. The issue is the driver facing camera. It’s an invasion of privacy. Don’t bring your version of being PROFESSIONAL into the discussion. No one was talking about the PROFESSIONAL ASPECT of the trucking industry.
I’m a 27 in the industry and this obsession with control has to stop my advice if these arm chair self glorified Teck people would actually have the courage to do this job they would find out in a hurry that this kind of surveillance is a step to far.The drivers in the company I’m with stuck together and the back lash was so bad that the company dropped the turning on of the inward cameras this is our home when on the road people would not Agee to have cameras placed in there homes why should we.
1980 : called the broker once a week. Was handed cash for expenses. Used a payphone. An Atlas. A Log Book. A ruler. A C. B. Radio. Had Am. Fm. Radio. Sat down for breakfast lunch or dinner at the diner. No medical card. No drug test. Got paid cash or check. Or had money wired.
We didn’t need surveillance 24/7. We helped each other. Respectfully ( for the most part) did our jobs. Routed out our trips. Did our best.
The truck stops back then didn’t have showers for women ( yes I am a woman). We showered in the men’s room. The trucks were not the trucks of today. They rode different and were heavy and took a toll on the driver. If you broke down it took a while to get back up rollin. We didn’t have refrigerators and microwaves. You just waited.
Loads were delivered. Drivers were wilder back then but I never encountered fear. I was treated with respect. Learned from the drivers of the day.
We didn’t have trucking schools.
Through the years things have become so automated and efficient. ( I use that loosely)
That the value of who is operating the truck no longer matters. The way the equipment is driven no longer matters. Profit is all that counts. At any cost. Has any of this technology helped? Sure. It’s made things easier. But I wonder about when a satellite goes out and these young men and women will need to use an Atlas and a logbook.
Now as far as these cameras go. In my opinion they are intrusive and overwhelming us. Every corner turned a camera. Every few miles down the road a camera. Every parking lot ,every store ,every phone. Every truck. Every scale house.
Mistakes happen. People break laws it happens.
This isn’t new. It’s been this way and will continue.
This does not make us safer. It does not make us better drivers. I see no benefits for us as a society in general. The only people benefitting from the surveillance is the ones all ready in control.
This is absurd all it is a invasion of privacy & should not be allowed in any truck. I’ve been a Commercial driver for the past 33yrs & I will quit driving right now if you weirdos think that your going too record me 24/7 inside my truck…!! Enough is enough people quit laying down & letting these things happen too us…!! If they want DFC’s in these trucks then let them drive their own trucks & let their privacy be invaded but you guys are not going too invade mine…!!
Another reason for people to quit the industry and trucking companies wonder why there’s such a shortage of experienced drivers. Low pay in comparison to past times, elogs screwing with your day and speed limiters. Won’t be long now till it’s a minimum wage occupation.
I’ve worked for two companies with DFCs and stuck a piece of electrical tape over the lens. Nothing was said at the first and the second I was fired with no explanation for why. Clearly it’s just about control and unnecessary over monitoring.
It is a company problem looking for a driver solution. I don’t like them either, but
I’ ve got 3 grandchildren and 8 cats depending on me to provide. Our CEO would say, “Hit the road if you dont like it.”
My company before I retired installed forward facing cameras in all trucks including the owner operators, I personally didn’t have any problem with that. As far as I’m concerned about DFC’S this is an invasion of the drivers privacy, the trucking companies trust the drivers with hundreds of thousands of equipment and untold value in cargo, and yet they don’t trust their drivers enough behind the wheel. That being said, I have personally seen steering wheel holders pull off some extremely dangerous things behind the wheel. But every single driver out there knows exactly who I am talking about. If a DFC was installed today in my truck, I would absolutely quit on the spot and zero notice given.
I convinced my wife to drive, on her own. This definitely would be the thing that makes her quit, I would also quit… the money isn’t good enough for all the risks and adding these cameras would be an invasion of privacy like no other.
Your assessment is absolutely accurate, Rolf. Today’s commercial drivers are already under a microscope, constantly monitored, inspected and highly regulated–much of it performed electronically. DFC could be the final straw in having said drivers resigning en masse. Add to that the fact that not many young people choose trucking as a career, and it’s no wonder there is a shortage of qualified, caring and professional commercial drivers.
As a former professional driver, I would not re-enter the industry if it included DFC. Human privacy and dignity should be respected.
However, I have no issue with cameras facing in all directions, externally. As a former instructor and safety consultant, I spoke publicly–both in the media and to hundreds of drivers at a time in safety meetings–about the merits of external cameras. These cameras, when utilized correctly, can provide critical information regarding road-related events, helping to exonerate the wrongly accused, correctly identifying causational factors/instigator drivers, as well as inspiring commercial drivers to drive according to conditions, ie: safely.
While external cameras can’t prevent collisions and incidents, they have a useful place in our transportation industry. If DFC become mandatory in commercial vehicles, then they should also be mandatory in private vehicles. That travesty will usher in the end of personal privacy while solidifying full-scale government surveillance, just as Orwell and others predicted…
Stay well, Mr. Lockwood!
George Smagala
Could not agree more with you about this one Rolf
Amen,well put
I agree with you Rolf.
Roy
My biggest fear is releasing company from liability because i made a mistake. I have been so stressed with driver facing cameras. Have had some text book stops and camera goes off 1.5 seconds later and says harsh braking event.! Had several season drivers wanting to work for our company as soon as i mentioned cameras said forget it.! So basically camera could cost me everything, not to mention i am a minister and have confidential counseling conversations with people in need when i am driving, with proper headset of course, be recorded.!!! It is causing me to seek other employment!!! And we did lose some drivers but, weren’t honest why they left.!
I experience this BS in trucking company, I work for presently. It bothers me a lot; its adding a lot of anxiety to already stressful job. I see it as sociological abuse of the driver. Please install internet camera in your bedroom or bathroom and see how it feels.
It will make me quit this company asap.
The cameras are used to keep drivers from doing stupid things that could cost a company multiple millions ina law suit!! If you you think drivers are not going down the road with that cell phone in their hands doing things they shouldn’t. Then your living on a different planet. I SEE IT EVERY DAY AS A TRUCK DRIVER!! I SUPPORT DRIVER FACING CAMERAS 100%. I’ve had one for 3 years with no issues at all!!
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I wish as much effort was put into helping sick or injured truck If Drivers facing cameras become required
I can see a general strike or 50 percent of the long haul truck drivers quit
Dam am I happy that I retired early from trucking 5 years ago.
I sold my truck and retired because I felt with the new breed of drivers I didn’t feel safe on the roads anymore!
Now these Dfc’s. That alone would of made me quit!
I trucked over 40 years and I never had an accident! I have seen so many changes! Trucking used to be fun. Not anymore!
100% + I would find it distracting feeling big brother was invading my life even more than phones already do.
Isn’t that distracted driving?
The perfect editorial. Well done Rolf !
I’m now retired so I am out of the work world now. So to my comment , I drove 18 wheelers on and off from 1975 to 2008. 22 plus years I drove full time another 8 years part time. I originally got into driving to be able to have time alone and not be under constant scrutiny. If someone had told me they were putting a camera in the truck so they could watch me whenever they wanted to I would have quit on the spot. And I don’t think you can make a person more careful by watching their every move. Safety comes from a desire to be better.
I agree with the D.F.C.’s,
Being a Commercial Driver Trainer for the last 12 years and a Class 1 license holder for the last 32 years, I have seen a lot… There is no doubt, that we have an abundance of Commercial Drivers on the road. But we don’t have a lot of Professional Drivers. In terms of personal privacy concerns. No, I do not agree with the D.F. C’s. But… The purpose of the camera(s) is to protect the driver with regards to a collision or incident and prove a “not at fault” situation. or even to research safety improvements in the event of a collision and or injuries sustained from projectile hazards within the cab.
If a driver knows he may be being monitored, it would more than likely encourage that Operator to be even more observant to the task of driving and practice more Professional, and better defensive driving habits.
I totally agree our company just installed cameras after 40 sum years of driving with multiple awardsI find it as an insult. Yes I have had an accident or two but I totally agree with the training aspect there should be an apprentice program like being a plumper or electrician. They told us in a meeting that no one can access video unless it gets sent by telemetry company I don’t believe it due to a manager showing me a video of an accident.
About two months ago a relative pulled over due to sickness or sleepiness exit 359 in AZ. Two days later after a wellness check his truck had been broke into and him deceased. His CB and ELD tablet plus wallet and an money taken. The company has Interior facing camera, but no suitable photos showed up, ELD and radio still has not been found or a suspect that would steal from a dead person!
I owe a fuel hauling company and have these cameras in our trucks. We’re a small company and have benefited greatly from both the forward facing and driver facing cameras. We have had several instances of driver exoneration with accidents including a recent fatality accident. We have also had the ability to move on from drivers who very clearly didn’t take the safety of others on the road or the job security of their coworkers seriously when behind the wheel. It can take only one major accident to put us out of business. Having drivers that are going to take their job seriously is essential. I believe that this article has been written by a driver who takes his job seriously not considering that there are drivers who are not in the same frame of mind. When used properly our company has shown that these cameras can protect everyone involved. The company, the public, bust most importantly the people that are sitting behind the wheel everyday getting the job done.
I’ve been driving large commercial trucks since 1979, both OTR and oilfield heavy haul.
So I have a little skin in this.
Driver facing cameras, of which I have not run into, yet.( pardon the pun ) have no real world benefits to anyone other than an overzealous HSE person.
As mentioned in the article, how would any employee feel about their job, with a camera pointed at them all day ?
How would a doctor or nurse react to a camera watching them at there station or desk ?
Like most commercial drivers, I too have a dashcam. It points forward, where the actual events are occurring.
I’m changing companies next week ( better money ) but I will walk out the door if they have a driver facing camera.
I’m the one in demand so I am in a position to pick and choose who I will work for.
When everyone, including management, have cameras watching them all day at their desks and in the company pick ups and cars, I’ll consider it.
Until then, go to hell.
Thank you for this article. I am 55 and have driven OTR for just about three years. I work for a company that is in North Dakota, good sized but not huge. We always have new trucks, every couple years and of course video cameras, but they say only on the road type and not at me. I do not know if its true or not. Anyway, nice article hope to see more.
Sonny
I drove for one of the top five trucking companies as a company driver for a year and a half. My husband was allowed to travel with me. When they put the camera in the company trucks, we were NOT told the camera could see both forward AND the driver. When this information leaked out, we were told “only third-party company employees could view the driver facing video.”
Then a male driver approached me one afternoon and said that he really liked the tattoo my husband has on his backside.
In speaking with my DM about this, I found out that any driver/trainer could view any solo driver “to choose a potential team driver”.
I’d quit in a minute too!!! I’m sick of this industry trying to hog tie us about everything!! No parking places( to bad)
Sloppy truck stops!! Fast food trk stops. Oh travel centers!!
One of the reasons I run a an independent operator is to not comply with violations of privacy from over eager safety coordinators looking for reasons to justify their salary.
When I entered the truck I currently lease and found in facing camera I immediately called my safety supervisor and politely informed her that I will not and cannot operate a CMV under interior surveillance. She agreed with my concern and said I could block it but the road facing camera was non negotiable. I agreed and appreciate the road faces because it protects me. I wrapped a band aid around the lens of the inward camera and rolled. I encourage all drivers company or independent to do the same.
I would be as I know thousands of others would as well be in favor to a petition to congress to ban driver facing cameras as I deal with them every day in the U.S.A how can we get the ball rolling on such a petition?
I feel the camera is distracted driving. I am more worried about setting the camera off than driving the truck like it needs be driven in a safe manner.
I wish someone would start a class suit
I am a owner of Detroits Services a small trucking company. With just 2 trucks in my fleet myself and my best friend. It would be the end of my company if it were made into law that i had to put DFCs in my trucks. My business is my business no one else’s. Furthermore I believe that it is unconstitutional to do such a thing. I have not done the research yet. I plan to. It’s ridiculous enough the regulations we as truckers have to deal with. Over regulated under payed and no respect from the general public as a whole. That being said DFCs, are the worst thing you could do to a over worked, under payed, over stressed, trucker. Traffic, deadlines, stress, people can only stand so much before they snap. So go ahead mess around and find out. Take drivers privacy away and see what happens. Amirican Born, Trucker by choice. Sincerely the POOR BROKE TRUCKER
They track your eyeballs and gripe at you every time you don’t act like a machine.
I should be able to scratch my nose and stretch without getting an allert.
Well I guess the next thing these people who make changes in the industry just to justify being in a position that they are not qualified for that has a negative impact on the driving academy graduate is being faced with being replaced by automated steering wheel holders or computers and the modern day cowboy will no longer ride the steelhorse that carries the Hot load of commodities and everyday good’s to the distribution center who charges the driver to unload their cargo or the driver unload on camera for log book departments use to make a violation case to show their worthiness. After 45yrs I can honestly say I miss the good old days that weren’t always so good but I wouldn’t climb in the cab now if I was destitute and an operator license is Way less costly than the CDL I had since 1987 so adios comrades the Road Runner is leaving it to the AI and taking it hard but we can’t win like an old Peterbilt we get replaced by an updated version better or worse they don’t care and won’t lose any sleep over you being upset out there while they sleep in their beds at their home and you get that load there on time for your appointment and then get to work unloading 40 tons of produce on to their pallets 6 tie 6 high before they’re closed. There’s nothing glamorous about trucking and there are no good companies in the industry you just pick your poison they will all put you in an early grave. Don’t shoot the messenger . God bless us all and be careful out there , all lives matter, drive safe you never know who’s watching.
Finally. Great to see a respected journalist like Rolf stand up to the ever escalating desire for companies to regulate drivers. We have dash cameras as part of our eld system and I have no problem with them. DFC’s are complete invasion of privacy. An article I believe was in the last issue of Todays Trucking interviewed the wife of a driver who works for a recognizable Canadian company stated that drivers are not allowed to even drink a cup of coffee while driving. Safety run amok!!
Just quit a good paying job over driver facing cameras. Got pulled into the office too many times and as a good driver who ofter is the first done with their duties who was also had many praises for a good job it took its final toll on me. Last straw was a violation for touching a company provided tablet while driving one of their Life Critical Rules. Drove trucks in the military and the last thing I need is for some think tank in corporate thinking of ways to hang things over drivers heads. We already have one of the most stressful jobs.
I told my company Safety guy that I wanted access to any video or recordings that they view! If they get a notification and the video is sent to them or is viewed by a third party, I want to have it also. Access logs! I want to see who and when someone logs in and views footage of me! I was told that would be a Privacy Issue! WTF? I quit and am looking for another job. Been driving since 1999, have a spotless DMV Record and same for my clearing house record! Somewhere between 2 and 2.5 million miles!
These cameras could have been installed above the passenger seat and have privacy shutters on them. They don’t need audio….. Ever! They say it’s about liability! How long before landlords, banks, and insurance companies say the same thing about your home? There’s liability issues there as well! You might be doing something that they don’t approve of. Some people say I’m just paranoid. Those people aren’t being told that a camera and microphone will be watching them 25/8 in their bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room, and so forth. Those people don’t live in a 6×8 space 24 hours a day for weeks in end!
The Lytx driver facing cameras record both audio and video and can be accessed by someone 24/7 with live streaming. Think about a corporate office of 200. Someone is giving out the password to access driver cameras, or some manager has it and in typical corporate fashion thinks it is hilarious to watch drivers and share it with others for entertainment.
These cameras are used for nothing more than harassment and degradation of drivers. Good plaintiff attorneys are going to have a blast one day absolutely gutting these companies and I can’t wait for it!
Nothing motivates a driver to quit faster than having a camera two feet from your face recording everything you do 10 hours a day with an AI assisted micromanager yelling at you every time someone pulls in front of your truck.
“Guilty until proven innocent”. Yeah. We are there. Worse part? The person reviewing the footage. Have they any time in the seat, so as to understand the why’s and where fors? Non CDL holders have a minuscule understanding of a driver having their “game face on” all the time. It’s bad enough that the driver experiences their job differently. Work outside, in the cold or heat, rain, snow, (add your own difficulty), adds to what it takes to get a job accomplished. Majority of office personnel have no clue and could care less, unless the driver is “taking too long”. As for video surveillance (let’s call it what it is), it is a necessary evil, human beings being what they are and all. Scary part? An A.I. bot was busted for insider trading, then lied about it!! So, who will pass judgement? A flawed human (with or without an agenda) or a bot that can possibly lie?
Rolf, you are 100% correct. If these were to become mainstream I don’t t see a future where any driver is over 30. I know I simply wouldn’t put up with it and I know I’m not alone.
What I do know is proponents of these surveillance systems, both government and industry, be it vendors or fleet managers would never themselves agree to be on camera for 20 -22 hours a day , everyday with that info available to anyone and to be possibly used against them for criminal , civil and employment reasons.
This is definitely an invasion of privacy, and as far as I’m concerned, legislation should actually passed which makes this illegal. If not trucking companies , govt, insurance companies, etc WILL eventually mandate them. Like other controls, rules and regulations that come up and eventually forced on this industry, many will simply bow and take it. (Because they need to work)
Remember when freedom of the open road is what called people to the industry? Big wonder why old guys are packing it in, and young folks are balking.