Cameras are effectively hi-tech eyewitnesses to what actually happens during vehicle accidents.
This recorded testimony is increasingly resolving insurance claims and prompting more fleets across the country to install cameras in their vehicles.
Video illustrates data gathered both of collisions and near misses, allowing fleets to respond immediately to any accidents or incidents involving its vehicles and consequently minimise financial and operational risk.
The end goal is significant cost savings from improved driver behaviour, lower accident frequency, shrinking insurance claim costs and the reduced premiums that follow.
Many insurers are being persuaded by the benefits of cameras and the footage they provide, and are increasingly prepared either to contribute towards the cost of the camera equipment or offer premium reductions to make the installation of cameras more affordable and attractive to cost-conscious fleets.
For fleets with a rapid turnover of staff, such as courier firms, the camera evidence can help to settle claims after an employee or agency driver has left the business.
New 3G cameras can send an accident alert back to base within a second of the collision occurring, and the video footage follows within a couple of minutes.
By intervening swiftly in at-fault accidents, fleets can limit their exposure to high costs for vehicle recovery, replacement vehicles and repairs.