DRIVE CAM ON ABC NEWS so importantant I needed to make a new post.

" Just keep rear facing cameras out of the rules regs and my truck."

So, you do have a limit?

It may not be a cam pointed at you, but one pointed straight back bothers you even more?
That's interesting.

I don't think we need more tech for new drivers, just better training.
I got lucky with my mentor, because he actually did his job and taught me how to be a safe and effective driver.


And, personally, I've enjoyed my time with Swift.
I know the system, and can work with it.
They keep me running, and keep my truck in good shape. Much can not be said of a very many smaller outfits.
The money is not the best, I'm sure. But it's far from the worst.
I've never been asked, or required, to run illegally. And that certainly can not be said of many.
I've always been backed in a decision to shut down due to weather or other circumstances, with no repercussions. Can many others say the same?



However, this issue with driver facing cameras may nullify all of that.
I don't agree with it, even in the slightest degree.

It is not about 'drama'.

 

Of course I have a limit. Only a moron would drive a truck with a rear facing camera. Driving truck is already such a dangerous job. Any wrong move could kill you or land you in prison.

There is no way I'd ever drive with a rear facing camera. I just don't see the point unless your vlogging. Even vlogging can be interpreted as distracted driving and used against you. There are just too many instances I take a drink of water or readjust in my seat that could easily be used against me as distracted driving. A rear facing camera will never help a driver, but will crucify a driver a thousand times over. Rear facing cameras are a huge breach of privacy I just couldn't get on board with. Should a rear facing camera ever become a mandate, I'm selling this old truck.

The drama is complaining about a companies policies and practices. I'd never pull a load for Swift. They can't afford me for one, and they have so many more issues. Add rear facing cameras to the huge list and find a better company to work for.

 

Forgive me.
I though your mention of 'rear facing cameras' was a camera viewing the view of the back of a trailer.
My bad.

Until now we have termed it as a driver cam, or a camera facing the driver.


The thing is, I like working here. I don't want to leave.
But with Swift doing things that I can not condone, what choice would I have?

But, I am a wimp until really pushed. (then, it might get messy)
So I will let the first groups set the stage before I have to.
Even then, it will only be one driver quitting.

But if 'only one' does it enough times...
It just might change something.

 

they keep saying its "for the drivers" if they really gave a crap about the drivers they would of used the MILLIONS that the cams cost and added it to driver pay. THe cams are a tax write off as well as an insurance cut. The guys in the glass office get more money the drivers got more crap.

 

I know one who will be quitting for sure.

 

I answered one of those Qualcomm surveys and wrote that I thought recruiting will suffer with the new driver facing camera. I received a call today to discuss my comments. Some facts that came out during that discussion:

1. The camera system can only record and store 20 seconds, continuously over writing whatever is recorded after 20 seconds.

2. If the system is activated by a critical event it immediately "saves" the 10 seconds prior to the event and the 10 seconds after the event, then uploads it to Safety before resuming continuously over writing mode.

3. You CAN cover the driver facing camera when the truck isn't moving.

4. The system CAN record events when the truck is parked. For example, if you are hit while parked in a truck stop.

5. You CAN upload a recording by your choice. The example used was if you are in an accident and the other driver is walking around and talking you can record that to protect against future claims of neck or back injuries.

No matter what, drivers that are uncomfortable with driver facing cameras will be harder to recruit. It won't matter what the limitations are for the camera system capabilities.

 

it will not take long for the lawsuits to start rolling in. The second it records part of a privet conversation without an event triggering it Swift will start to see how expensive of a mistake these cams are.

 

If that is ALL it does I'll have much less concern over the matter.
What I'm wondering is, how much aren't they telling us?

I'm still hoping that by the time it gets to my truck there will be some feedback from the first drivers that get them.

On a positive note, for the first time in a long time my truck is once again 100%.
Not one doggone thing wrong with it.
It's a 2013 Volvo with 337k on it, so I'm hoping I'll have it for another year or two.

By the way, thanks for the nice update Lepton.

 

I'm with you on the not telling us everything, that's my main concern.I had a call yesterday about an event on my QC that did not happen. I was told it will be fixed (my safety score). I'll be checking on it. Sorry to hear you have a Volvo, I really hate them. And yea I drive one. I know, I whine about Volvo's, sorry.