Can new ATRI research help improve low driver approval on driver-facing cameras?

A new report from the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) reveals that driver approval for driver-facing cameras (DFCs) in trucks is low – a mere 2.24 on a 0-to-10 scale.

These results were collected from 650 current users in the industry who cite the following as some of their reasons for low approval:

• Too much variety in camera systems,
• Limited experience, and
• Unclear policies.

Most notable, one of the most significant factors driving low scores are strong concerns about driver privacy. When it comes to DFCs, women rated privacy protection 34 percent lower than men.

What’s next for DFCs?

Luckily, ATRI’s research includes improved carrier approaches to help increase driver approval. These approaches inspire future strategies for compromise on DFCs and road-facing cameras (RFCs) among truck drivers, carries, insurers, and legal experts. For example, when carriers use video recordings as a safety measure, driver approval for cameras in trucks improved by 87 percent, according to research.

Additionally, legal experts and insurers noted a preference for event-based cameras in trucks over cameras that record non-stop. Experts and drivers alike also agree that these recordings should be shared with safety managers only, as much as is possible.

Final thoughts

Motor carriers need to understand the reasons behind any driver resistance to using DFCs. These insights help the carriers who use in-cab cameras create better policies while also offering strategies for those still considering the investment.

View the full ATRI report on Issues and Opportunities with Driver-Facing Cameras at TruckingResearch.org.