How big of a distraction are the driver facing cameras and warning systems ?

Camera wasn't distracting but was a reason I changed companies.

The CMS however is the most irritating and distracting thing I ever had in a truck. *Beep beep beep beep beep* yeah a know there is another truck in front of me ### wipe I'm trying to pass it in traffic. Then the random beeps when i go under a bridge or go around a curve in a construction zone.

It even slammed on the brakes one time for no reason while i was driving (I don't use cruise control very often and wasn't this time), which theoretically shouldn't have happened (there was also nothing in front of me). After that I can only say having a CMS is definitely less safe than without.

If it would have done that in the snow I might not be here to write about it.

 

My 2018 Kenworth has a radar in it. And it picks up every speed limit sign you pass. If going the speed limit or under 5 over it does nothing, however if going 9mph or more it throttles down the truck.....so those non active construction zones on 65 in Indiana? Yup throttle down cuz it thinks its a 55mph zone....the signs saying 55mph speed limit ahead? Yup throttle down, or the random 35mph off ramp sign it picks up as your going down the interstate? Yup throttle down.....most useless and ignorant thing I've seen put in these trucks....so far my company hasnt said a word about it in the 3 weeks I've had the truck, and hopefully it stays that way. Idk how they can put these gadgets on trucks hauling 80000 gross weight when they aren't 100% accurate. A mistake by it could be a deadly thing....

 

It's not deadly to the safety guy in his office. Doesn't bother him one bit.

 

That's what they tell you. My last company had cameras. I've seen them spying on drivers. The company can see you anytime they want.

 

Surprised it hasn't happened yet, at least as far as we know. I saved the shop invoice that said there was nothing wrong with it just in case.

 

Tell us what you saw and I will decide if I believe it. 1400 drivers at my company. They contract thru drive right and spend their time reviewing safety concerns which are forwarded by drive right in the form of 40 second videos.. What would they possibly want to watch other than that? Seriously. Truckers aren't that interesting.

 

I don't care if you believe me. I've seen it done. My last company had about 60 OTR trucks and probably another 60 seasonal trucks. They all had cameras and there was a guy in the office in charge of them. I've seen him pull up feeds of drivers on the road. It's silly to think that because truckers aren't interesting the companies can't watch. The system they use is smart drive and monitored in house.

 

I can guarantee that if they are out to get rid of a driver they will use every device they have. Oh you moved your truck 60 foot forward after fueling and didn't put your seatbelt on..... fired with no unemployment !

I worked in people management for 25 years. If they CAN then they WILL if they are after you.

 

I went for an interview for a job that had them and the manager told me that he watches them on occasion to see if "drivers" are eating or talking on the phone to much. The place can't keep help but don't look at what might be wrong. Go figure. Needless to say I didn't take it. Your place might be different but it's not the same everywhere.