Driver facing camera

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Chebbydriver7195, Apr 12, 2019.

  1. Chebbydriver7195

    Chebbydriver7195 Light Load Member

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    Anyone aware of any lawsuits or pending court cases over this here in the USA? Just had a camera installed in my truck. They claim the inside camera isn't activated but microphone is.
    At first I was fine because they said it only recorded certain events. That was a lie. Smart drive records every so often for 20 seconds at a time.

    Its changed my driving habits for the worse and I feel like I'm under scrutiny from my company. Used to I'd move toward the white line to let guys around on tight roads, esp oversized guys. Now I'm forced to maintain my lane or be recorded. It's like they want me to let someone crush the side of my truck. I'm a new driver so in treading lightly. Either way I'll do my year and move to a company that doesnt micro manage.

    Thinking of getting a lawyer to send a letter requesting ALL video of me here in a few weeks to see what they really record.
     
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  3. Joeziah

    Joeziah Light Load Member

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    I'm an Owner Op and I use driver facing cameras, however I would never get one that was internet connected in any way.

    The only way to get access to that footage is if I physically plug it into a computer or pull the memory card.

    If an event occurs then the footage will be recovered, but this spying crap by companies and dispatchers has got to go.

    Its an excellent tool for fighting bullcrap tickets like no seatbelt, or the mother of all tickets, being accused of using a handheld electronic device. All it takes is a cop saying they didn't see your seatbelt on or they saw you fiddling with your phone and your career or business is done.
     
  4. tnevin225

    tnevin225 Road Train Member

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    You work for a private carrier at their discretion, I guess you could get an attorney but I think you will just piss someone off and more than likely you will end up being forced out. If it bothers you that much just look for another company. As you stated your a new driver, this will sound a little harsh but shut up quit whining and get back to work. This is petty crap and the first thing you do is want to look at getting lawyers involved, bad move. IMO:oops:
     
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  5. Chebbydriver7195

    Chebbydriver7195 Light Load Member

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    I'm new not stupid. There are still rights I have as a human being. You dont get rid of them simply because you start working for someone.
    Its ignorant to think lawyers are evil. They are a very useful tool for people who abide by the law and seek fair representation in all areas where large companies can strong arm individuals.
    I can only hope someone will bring up theee issues in court so they can be addressed and we can find out just where driver facing cameras fall in the legal world.
     
  6. SteveScott

    SteveScott Road Train Member

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    And as a human being you have a right NOT to work for a company with driver facing cameras. Nobody is strong arming you to work there.

    How about just turning in your resignation instead of figuring out a way to sue your employer?
     
  7. Chebbydriver7195

    Chebbydriver7195 Light Load Member

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    I never said lawsuit and I never stated my company, it's funny that you're so quick to jump in on defending companies that do this. Why do you hate the legal system so badly?
     
  8. Numb

    Numb Crusty Curmudgeon

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    last company I worked for put them in and at first I had a fit ,but then I figured ,when I'm on my break I cover it up, otherwise I'm a professional and if they don't like how I drive and the language I use. Oh, well.

    I actually started talking to it.lol

    telling it to look to look at that fool made me hit my brakes like that. see that one cut me off,why I oughta run his skinny butt over!!

    never heard a word from the company.lol
     
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  9. shogun

    shogun Road Train Member

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    Is this attorney local to you?

    5B95AD61-1FC5-4C40-8776-96669E334A61.jpeg
     
  10. SteveScott

    SteveScott Road Train Member

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    And it's funny that you're so quick to assume that I'm defending the practice. I don't hate the legal system, but I'm a realist. People today cry foul and want to sue whenever they don't like something about their job, or feel they're being treated unfairly. We all pay for legal settlements every day of our lives, and this mentality is why. You said yourself in the original post:

    "Thinking of getting a lawyer to send a letter requesting ALL video of me here in a few weeks to see what they really record."

    So will you find an attorney that will do this for you for free (pro bono), or will you find an attorney that will say it's should be challenged in court, and you can win tens of thousands of dollars (minus half for attorney fees of course), and you'll only pay if you win?

    You're a new driver and can't afford to pay legal fees or even the few hundred bucks it will cost for a consultation and a letter to your employer. You're also going to create a very unfriendly working relationship with your current employer assuming you intend on staying there after letting them know that you feel that they're "strong arming" you.

    In the end, you'll wind up working someplace else, and won't have your pissed off previous employer to use as a reference. No decent attorney would touch a case like this. Luckily for you, most lawyers aren't decent people. That's why most members of both houses of Congress are lawyers.
     
  11. SuperRookie

    SuperRookie Light Load Member

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    The only thing I worry about with these things is the privacy loss when your performing extracurricular activities ;-) Beyond that, eh, in this day in age, I want all the evidence in my favor that I can get. But that is just my opinion. :)

    As for the legalities of it, I am sure that it will be challenged soon enough, and i'm willing to bet that because they are only supposed to come on with certain conditions met, it will be a lost battle. Again, just a thought.
     
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