Personal Dash Cam?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by LeadFarmer, Jan 23, 2018.

  1. LeadFarmer

    LeadFarmer Light Load Member

    103
    91
    Dec 20, 2017
    0
    I've got a prehire for a mini-mega that runs the standard dash cams that save approx 10s before and after if there's an "event" like hard braking.

    I've had a dashcam on my four wheeler for a year and can't imagine not having one at all. But I wonder whether I should purchase a dashcam for my company truck. I would be able to show full context, possibly a different angle, and would always have the footage should I need it for applying to future jobs if I have a contested incident or accident.

    What are your opinions as experienced drivers? Where should I mount it (i.e. ceiling, on dash)? Are there particular brands or models you'd recommend?
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. HazelEyes2

    HazelEyes2 Bobtail Member

    6
    6
    Jan 23, 2018
    0
    Blackvue has awesome dash cameras with the option of sd card and cloud storage. Street Guardian also is a good camera at a less expensive option. I have 2 personal cameras in my own truck. The Street Guardian is very small (almost a wedge shape) and I have it mounted to the molding beneath my cb, only because some states do not allow anything other than EZ Pass/i-Pass to be mounted to the windshield, and I don't want to give those folks any reason to give me a ticket. Blackvue is a bit pricey, but worth it, in my opinion.
     
    tinytim and LeadFarmer Thank this.
  4. buddyd157

    buddyd157 Road Train Member

    13,454
    34,351
    May 25, 2017
    under a shade tree
    0
    couldn't hurt to have an extra "eye" on things. but then too, it might come back to bit you in the butt.

    like say for instance, there is a hard brake, and the company camera takes that last 10 seconds. but your camera showed you weaving, previously before the hard braking, indicating falling asleep....

    wanna go there, then?????
     
  5. LeadFarmer

    LeadFarmer Light Load Member

    103
    91
    Dec 20, 2017
    0
    The company would never get the files unless I send it to them or it's seized as evidence. Why would I elect to send my company video evidence of anything that makes me look bad?

    Did you used to mail your company all 3 of your logbooks on paper logs when you sent over HOS?
     
  6. Tb0n3

    Tb0n3 Road Train Member

    4,096
    7,721
    Oct 5, 2012
    Earth
    0
    The problem is if you're in an accident you may be legally compelled to submit your cam video as evidence.
     
    buddyd157 Thanks this.
  7. buddyd157

    buddyd157 Road Train Member

    13,454
    34,351
    May 25, 2017
    under a shade tree
    0
    please refrain from accusing me of logbook falsification.
     
  8. buddyd157

    buddyd157 Road Train Member

    13,454
    34,351
    May 25, 2017
    under a shade tree
    0
    true, they will nail him, he hasn't got to turn it over himself.
     
  9. upnorthwpg

    upnorthwpg Road Train Member

    1,620
    2,278
    Sep 23, 2011
    0
    You need to check the company rules on using personal dash cams in their trucks. Ours has a hard rule that its not allowed.
     
    Lepton1 and buddyd157 Thank this.
  10. jraulpilot1998

    jraulpilot1998 Medium Load Member

    354
    491
    Aug 20, 2014
    All over U.S.A
    0
    Very good theme.."Dash Cams".
    Extremely complicated too. I started using Cams on the Dash of my T600 back in the Nineties Running for ROCOR/DONCO. I installed a mini tripod glued to the dash...with a 360° rotation capability. The camera then connected to an Old TV/VCR Combo. It was a daily thing. Had the fortune/misfortune of recording a couple of thousand Videos were accidents ocurred, including videos were families and Truck drivers lost their lives. Had the Fortune to Sell & Donate those Videos to Insurance companies in order to be used in "Liability cases". I'm talking 1g 2g's and even 3g's in cases where millions were involved. Now remember this..; if you manage to record an accident were people loose their Lives, State Troopers or LEO's will Try to "confiscate" the video/camera to provide as evidence. Always let them know that you will provide them a copy within 24 to 48 hrs. Then, get in contact with the affected driver/company and Let him/them know that You have Video that will "Help" his case and deal directly with the Insurance adjuster, Not the Driver, when you are ready to Sell. Note:: Always inform yourself before you admit you have Video and beware who you admit it too. Happy Trails..!!
     
  11. Tb0n3

    Tb0n3 Road Train Member

    4,096
    7,721
    Oct 5, 2012
    Earth
    0
    We're you driving in China to get so many accidents?
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.