How to Get Driver Buy-In

ne question that often comes up amongst fleet safety managers is how to tackle driver concerns regarding the installation of dash cameras. With nearly every industry facing a driver shortage, it's becoming increasingly important to keep drivers content. You're likely already aware of how beneficial connected dash cams can be for your fleet's safety. The question is, how do you get that message across to your team? Here are four things to bear in mind as you roll out a new video safety programme:

1. EXPLAIN THE REASONS FOR FLEET CAMERA INSTALLATION

You're not putting fleet dashcameras in just for the sake of it; there are solid reasons behind your decision, and sharing those with your drivers is crucial. Otherwise, it's easy for drivers to jump to the conclusion that the cameras are a sign of distrust or a way to monitor their private lives. When you announce the video safety programme, shine a light on the array of business goals that dash cams will help you meet.

Talk about the positives, like lower insurance premiums, cost-effective claim management, optimising resources, and maintaining visibility of field teams to better support them. Reassure your drivers that while you trust them, there are dishonest drivers out there, and these cameras serve as protection against fraudulent claims such as 'crash for cash' scams, staged incidents, and false injury allegations.

2. ENSURE DRIVERS UNDERSTAND THE PERSONAL BENEFITS

Once you've laid out the advantages for the business, focus on what's in it for the drivers. Explaining how connected dash cams can safeguard them from baseless accusations is key. Such false claims can spell trouble for a driver's record for years and potentially jeopardise their licence. Given that drivers could also face unwarranted criminal charges following road incidents, these cameras are a form of defence, proving their innocence and untangling liability issues as they crop up. Remember, in many road events, commercial drivers are presumed responsible until proven innocent, and these cameras are instrumental in evidencing your drivers' innocence.

3. CLARIFY WHAT GETS RECORDED AND ACCESS RIGHTS

A big worry for drivers is around the issue of personal data being captured or misused. It's critical to dispel such worries swiftly. Provide your drivers with a clear, written policy outlining who has the authority to access the data collected by the SureCam devices. If you choose not to use SureCam LiveCheck functionality for your business, stress that live feeds are off the table – these devices are for event recording, not real-time streaming. Even the SureCam support squad can't tap into the camera feed live.

Ensure drivers grasp the event-triggered nature of the SureCam system, so they know that only significant driving events will prompt a notification. Also clarify any audio recording functionalities. Designed with privacy at its core, the SureCam system is transparent, and our team is ready to assist with any queries about these privacy safeguards.

4. HAND OUT A DRIVER GUIDE FOR REFERENCE

A physical driver guide is a helpful resource for conveying all this information. Your SureCam account representative can supply a tailored guide for your fleet that provides answers to common questions. We're happy to brand it with your logo and include your contact details, ensuring drivers know exactly who to reach out to with any doubts or queries.

Equipped with these strategies, safety managers can pave the way for drivers to grasp the value of video safety solutions, whilst also heading off any driver discontent and grievances.

Ready to take the next step toward a safer, more efficient fleet? Let’s talk.