Cameras and E-logs and Automatics oh my!

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by War Wagon, Mar 2, 2013.

  1. 900,000-tons-of-steel

    900,000-tons-of-steel Road Train Member

    1,511
    896
    Aug 17, 2012
    Florida
    0
    Not all camera systems are recording -all- of the time. MANY EVD (Event Data Recorders) systems in commercial trucks are triggered by electronically sensed problems in the engine (often called faults), or a sudden change in wheel speed and only AFTER the trigger, record or snap a pic. You can read more about them here
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Event_data_recorder.

    I agree with you ... I don't buy the "safety" claim either if the camera is aimed at the driver.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

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

  3. DrtyDiesel

    DrtyDiesel Road Train Member

    5,348
    2,598
    Feb 14, 2010
    Jacksonville, FL
    0
    The only device I'm familiar with is DriveCam. I got the info from their site.

    I just don't agree with it and many of the drivers at our company don't either. I see a lot of cameras being covered by drivers in the near future lol
     
  4. JPenn

    JPenn Road Train Member

    1,829
    1,874
    Mar 5, 2008
    Northern Tier PA
    0
    Most of the cams that trip on accelerometer inputs OR fault/sensor input from the ECM will be triggered by a great many roads in the northeast. Cross Bronx Expressway, anyone? Or, I-86 across the Seneca Nation in western NY (Salamanca area)? I-88 from Port Dickinson to Schoharie, and the list goes on. Frost heaves, potholes, and the like will often trip the traction control if you're carrying enough speed as the tire momentarily leaves the pavement...not to mention the jarring triggering the accelerometer.

    This isn't even mentioning other factors such as tank surge in a smoothbore tanker... Thanks but no thanks. If I want an outward-facing camera to record idiot drivers, I'll put my own on the windshield. But keep that camera pointed away from me or I'll take my permanent marker and give it shades ;-)
     
  5. Jakaby

    Jakaby Medium Load Member

    428
    557
    Mar 25, 2012
    Grenada, Mississippi
    0
    I'm actually fired up about getting a camera installed. They can watch all they want. In return, I will drive completely naked wearing nothing but a company hat and my work boots. If they fire me, they better be prepared to show my attorney where in the handbook it says I can't drive naked. I'll put clothes on for fueling, loading-unloading, etc. but when the wheels are rolling, my CDL and naked self are in charge. They can get in here and hang cameras for every angle they want.

    This plan will conclude in one of two different ways. One, they will see that putting cameras in the cab is a useless endeavor and a waste of money, or two, they will agree with all the ladies who say I look pretty spiffy without any clothes on.
     
  6. Cman301

    Cman301 Light Load Member

    284
    211
    Feb 26, 2013
    Maryland
    0
    I saw this thread and had to put my 2 cents in, if you are worried about cameras watching what you're doing, you forget every new truck already has a black box in it that if you get in a accident they can just plug it in and see how fast you were going ect,ect. on the case of the logs the company I work 4 runs e logs. but most of our driving the clock . when I first started here I didn't think I would like it but now I love it I know some guys are going to have a big time converting to e logs because you will burn up time waiting to load ect. Thats the problem when you run by the mile you lose to much time waiting that you can not legally get back ! Thats one reason why I say if the goverment can mandate our hours of service, they should mandate that we should get compensated 4 all of our hours! as far as automatics let's say I am old school (learn to drive on old b model mack) so I did not think much of driving automatic. but I'll company got a automatic volvo in test , most of our drivers have 15 to 25 + years of experience. everyone was fussing at first but most of us like it. the driver who uses it everyday, drive from Baltimore to Long Island 4 days a week and loves it. so get ready I think more fleets are going that way!( I remember when most trucks had Armstrong steering) old hands know what I mean!
     
    Last edited: Mar 7, 2013
    peterd and daf105paccar Thank this.
  7. 900,000-tons-of-steel

    900,000-tons-of-steel Road Train Member

    1,511
    896
    Aug 17, 2012
    Florida
    0
    A black box is much different than a camera observing your person 24-7. I don't have a problem with cameras on the truck, front, side, back, whatever, as it can exonerate a driver in many circumstances. There is no reason for a camera on your person.
     
  8. Dieselgeek

    Dieselgeek Medium Load Member

    427
    209
    Nov 25, 2012
    Minnesota
    0
    I continue to hear more and more drivers who are die hard manual guys trying out the Volvo ishifts, and never wanting to shift again... We have a few where I work, and as we replace trucks, they are being replaced with Volvo's with ishifts... The mpg is up 1-1.5mpg vs old trucks, and the drivers really enjoy them.
     
    peterd Thanks this.
  9. OtatKen

    OtatKen Light Load Member

    224
    113
    Jan 9, 2012
    Fort Wayne, IN
    0
    Prolly.




    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  10. DocHoliday

    DocHoliday Medium Load Member

    665
    946
    Jul 10, 2010
    Poquoson, VA
    0
    Yes OS/OD being Heavy and Superload.... Last load on Friday grossed just under 175k on the deck... truck and trailer 92k before the load was put in the 60 foot well, 3 axle jeep and 3 axle stinger attached to a 3 axle 120ton RGN... 14'6'' tall 15'8'' wide.. The load was for the Dept of Navy have no clue as to what was in the crate actually don't want to know.. This is in response to Jumbo
     
  11. lelou

    lelou Light Load Member

    100
    33
    Sep 15, 2011
    Albany, NY
    0
    How about you happy automatic drivers name the co's you drive for? I wouldn't mind learning w/ manual and driving automatics. My leg is killing me.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

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