Right now there are an estimated 1.4 billion vehicles on the road, a number that is expected to double by 2036. With approximately 6 million car accidents happening each year in the US alone, the pressure to provide more solutions for a safer transit has never been higher.
Dash cams have been on the market for a while now, but in recent years we’ve seen a surge in popularity for these cameras and not just for their captivating viral videos. Becoming an internet sensation aside, most people opt for a dash cam to prove an accident is not their fault, which can be pretty handy when facing hefty fines and insurance bills.
Since the proliferation of dash cams, drivers are saving money and are becoming more conscious of their driving habits, which has the potential to prevent accidents on the road. Now heads are turning in the commercial sector as many companies are seeking the benefits of these tiny devices. But companies expect more for their money. They’re not just buying a simple product but a complete solution that enhances the efficiency and running of their business.
The increased demand for dash cams in the commercial sector, alongside the acceleration of AI and the cloud, has seen these devices become much more than just a camera. Dash cams are becoming an amalgamation of several technologies ranging from behaviour monitoring systems to GPS tracking – providing endless benefits to both companies and drivers. Take the VIA Mobile360 D700 AI Dash Cam for example. This device has seven additional functions alongside its full HD front dash and interior cameras. Not to the mention the ability to add customizable functions that can be specifically tailored to meet the needs of your business or fleet.
First up we have the 2-way call system and GPS tracking. Gone are the days where you will have to be constantly stopping to have to check-in with your manager. Now managers can help keep their trucks on track by using the GPS system to check deliveries are being met on time or suggest alternative routes if the road conditions are unfavorable. The two-way call replaces the headset or phone, which is much safer whilst driving. Not only does this make transit easier for the drivers but it also increases the overall operational efficiency for the business by providing an effective tool to aid management.
Some drivers can be skeptical about the GPS tracking system and interior camera, but these features also provide major benefits to them. If a fleet manager identifies that a truck has stopped at an unusual place or time, the manager can check in on the welfare of the driver. Especially for drivers making long journeys in remote places, this could be lifesaving should the driver get into an accident as the manager can rapidly get assistance to them.
The most important responsibility of any fleet manager is ensuring the business is operating as cost-efficiently as possible. As the heart of the business is the fleet, managers need to know vehicle usage data to quickly identify issues and make swift decisions. Before the evolution of recent technology, collecting and transmitting data using an OBD2 connection was a cumbersome process. Now, pro dash cams deliver the ability to collect data from vehicle speed, distance idle time to fuel consumption in real-time – allowing decisions to be made in the moment.
The integration of AI-powered technology sets pro dash cams apart from consumer dash cams. Pro dash cams equipped with a driver monitoring system increase driver safety by alerting the driver to dangerous driving habits such as smoking, distraction, and fatigue , all of which are major contributing factors to accidents. The devices also harness AI technology to warn drivers of potential hazards on the road and when their vehicle is drifting out of its lane. These accident prevention features not only enhance fleet performance but also contribute to safer roads.
A pro dash cam would not be complete without 4G wireless and cloud connectivity. To minimize 4G data transmission costs, the device can be configured to transmit only the most critical data in real-time, such as real-time video uploads of collision alerts. Not only do features like this ensure that all any important events are recorded; they also prevent information overload by sending the essential data to the cloud.
Cloud connectivity can be especially effective in the event of a break-in. As soon as someone enters the cabin, the interior camera will begin recording. If the facial recognition system does not recognize the driver’s face, an alert will be sent to the fleet manager and a recording of the break-in will be saved. The device’s Full HD interior-facing camera delivers a crisp, clean image of the cabin and the person entering it, giving you clear evidence should you have to report it to the police. Features like these can help prevent theft and make it easier to retrieve stolen vehicles.
By amalgamating all these technologies into a single compact smart device, the VIA Mobile360 D700 AI Dash Cam provides the perfect co-pilot for any journey. Looking forward to the future, we should see many more devices serving multiple functions to keep us safer and more productive in this ever-faster-paced world.
Written by Georgie Daulton, PR, Social Media and Marketing Communications intern at VIA, and undergraduate International Business student at the University of the West of England.