Why you need a multi-cam AI Dash Cam in 2023
Today’s fleet managers face a continuous need to drive safely and minimize road accidents. Thanks to dash cams equipped with artificial intelligence (AI), managers can improve processes, increase productivity and keep drivers safe.
They can continuously monitor road conditions, driving behavior, and even moments before, during, and after an accident. Another less-known advantage is that AI dash cams help soften the often turbulent relationship between fleet operators and their insurance companies and foster productive win-win relationships that benefit both parties.
The benefits are expansive, from money, time, and resources.
What is an AI Dash Cam?
An AI dash cam is a camera in the vehicle that uses AI technology to collect data, insights, and video from your fleet. The extra powers of AI technology mean that your cameras can utilize highly intelligent software to pick up on distracted driving behaviors, such as using mobile phones or eating while driving, so you can monitor your driver and tighten safety.
The first dash cam was produced and mounted on the dashboards of police cars in the 1930s. The primary purpose of this camera was to monitor and record traffic violators in the act. Fast forward to the 21st century. Most fleets are installing dash cams to receive alerts to incoming road safety hazards to add an extra layer of safety.
With technology advancement, dash cams have now been outfitted with AI technology to help analyze other critical aspects such as driver behavior and road conditions. In simpler teams, AI dash cams help minimize road accidents and prevent driver distraction.
How do AI Dash Cams work?
The AI technology and algorithms in dash cams work by analyzing footage taken of the driver and other road users in real-time. The device will immediately flag any dangerous activity received, such as speeding, aggressive braking, smoking, or eating while driving and send it to the fleet manager, preventing any potential accidents.
You can also install a rear dash cam to capture footage from behind your vehicle, which is quite valuable in the event of a car accident. In case the back of your vehicle gets damaged, you can use the footage to investigate and find out what happened. This lets you know the steps you can take to improve safety and ensure the incident doesn’t repeat itself.
What type of events does an AI-powered dash cam recognize?
AI technology in the camera sends you notifications and stores video footage when certain events take place. These include:
- Identifying distracted driving, such as when drivers use mobile phones, smoke, or drink.
- Dangerous driving techniques include speeding, harsh acceleration, cornering, or braking.
- Additional alerts like drivers tempering with the camera or not wearing their seatbelts.
- When the panic button is pressed.
What to Look for When Choosing an AI Dash Cam in 2023
AI dash cams are critical for fleet managers and any driver who values safety. If you haven’t installed the new one, you might want to do so soon and enjoy the peace of mind knowing that your dash cam can sense hazards along the way and notify you on time.
If you’re a first-time AI dash cam buyer, you can enjoy several choices currently available in the market. You should pay attention to certain features depending on your driving needs. For instance, if you’re a fleet manager, you may need a dash cam with high-quality imagery to record collisions and other costly mistakes.
Here are the main things you should consider when purchasing a dash cam.
Cost
A premium car dash cam with advanced features can cost $500 or more, depending on the model. Basic types can cost anywhere between $40 and $100 and come with limited features like a built-in display, parking monitoring, 1080p recording resolution, and auto-saving footage. Dash cams that cost between $50 and $300 are more suitable for vehicle owners who want the security of a dash cam with advanced features but don’t need to start with anything too complex.
Image quality
The overall quality of a dash cam is determined by the image quality it delivers. Higher-quality cameras produce better pictures, which is helpful if you need to check specific details after an accident or when investigating incidents. The camera quality should have the following:
- Resolution: The resolution is expressed by the number of vertical pixels in an image. A camera with 1080p has 1,080 pixels vertically. Generally, the more pixels, the better.
- Field of view: The field of view is how wide the camera can see. Cameras with a wide field of view allow users to see more. It can affect the image quality because pixels will be spread out a little more.
- Frame rates: Since dash cams record videos, frame rates are an important consideration. Most dash cams offer a frame rate of 30 frames per second (fps). However, you can step things up to 60fps for smoother video capture.
- Night vision: Also known as low light vision, night vision can be quite helpful for some drivers, especially fleet drivers who drive a lot at night. If it doesn’t offer sufficient light for the camera, then it’s not helpful. Night vision ensures that your footage has enough detail to make out what’s going on.
Battery
Dash cams run on your car’s power. That means they will turn on when you start the vehicle and turn off when you turn it off. However, some dash cams come with built-in batteries meaning you don’t have to keep your vehicle on to use the dash cam. This is a necessary feature for truck drivers who may need to park and rest at night. In case of an incident, the dash cam can provide more information.
Storage and footage protection
Video footage takes up lots of space. That’s why it’s prudent to buy a dash cam with adequate storage space. Some dash cams have little storage in them, so you don’t have to manage external storage and instead auto-upload footage to a cloud storage provider. However, most dash cams offer a Micro-SD slot where you can insert your Micro-SD card for storing footage locally.
Installation & Mounting
Whether you manage a fleet of long-haul trucks, delivery vans, or construction equipment, an AI dash cam can be the safety solution you need to improve safety and implement some of the best fleet management practices. It also helps reduce operating costs making your fleet safe and more profitable.
Dash cams capture the whole picture of an entire driving day. There are many helpful details allowing drivers and fleet managers to check incoming vehicles and estimate their arrival. It also allows you to track the number of vehicles used daily. By capturing specific instances like incidents during an accident or distracted driving, you can take control of your driver’s safety which helps you manage your fleet more effectively.
How AI Dash Cams improve night driving
Spending long hours driving can make even the most experienced drivers feel tired, sleepy and disoriented, especially at night. An AI dash cam can reduce the risk of getting into an accident by notifying drivers of possible dangers. These cameras use a combination of artificial intelligence to offer many amazing features.
Enhance visibility
The dashcam video can capture things like road signs and other vehicles, providing complete visibility when driving at night. The fleet manager can get the entire driving experience and note down both positive and risky driving habits and events.
Observe driving habits to improve road safety
Driving at night is more challenging, especially if the driver is tired. They’re likely to get distracted, fall asleep and lose focus on the road. The front-facing AI dash cam can give audio warnings about risky driving behaviors, preventing accidents. The drivers can watch the recorded footage and improve their driving behavior.
Help with insurance claims
When drivers avoid causing accidents on the roads, they significantly reduce insurance costs. In case of an accident, video evidence can help defend drivers and companies against fraudulent claims. The AI dash cams capture events even in the dimmest environment.
Benefits of AI Dashcam
Dash cams have many benefits for all types of drivers. Whether you’re installing them to monitor blind spots, capture the beautiful scenery outside or monitor your drivers, AI dash cams deliver exceptionally. Some of the significant benefits include the following:
- Reduced distracted driving
- Road condition monitoring help optimize routes
- Risk mitigation after an accident
- Reduces running operational costs
- Improves driver management relationships
- Protects drivers and other motorists
- Assist in correcting unsafe driving behaviors
- Helps insurance companies make more accurate determinations of fault when accidents occur.
Final Thoughts
The AI dashcam is one of the most significant investments to make in 2023. This advanced technology not only helps save lives but also reduces losses and running costs. If you manage fleets, you should seriously consider getting help from the AI dash cams to monitor your drivers, keep them safe and improve overall productivity and profitability.