Vehicle cameras slash personal injury claims and incident reports, survey shows

Fleet managers have revealed that vehicle cameras and CCTV technology are cutting incident reports by almost a third and personal injury claims by almost a half.

A survey of Motor Transport and Commercial Motor readers has shown that more than half of all respondents (56%) reported that the vehicle cameras improved driver behaviour, while 47% said incident reports decreased after installation.

The survey, commissioned by vehicle safety manufacturer Brigade Electronics and aimed at fleet managers and HGV drivers, found that 29% of respondents reported that personal injury claims had dropped, while 32% saw a reduction in insurance costs.

Chris Hanson-Abbott of Brigade Electronics, said: “The survey results demonstrate the tangible benefits of installing cameras on fleet vehicles. As well as reducing accidents, the technology can generate significant savings on insurance bills and costly personal injury claims.

“If you don’t have these vital cameras on your fleet or vehicle, it’s time to look into how they can cut costs and improve the smooth running of your business.”

The survey found 73% of fleet managers and drivers had installed cameras to improve safety standards, 57% did so to reduce insurance costs, and 54% said it was to improve driver behaviour.

Hanson-Abbott, who introduced the reversing alarm to the UK back in 1976, added: “The survey also found that 35% of those questioned had not installed cameras because they think they are too expensive.

“But, as these results demonstrate, it’s not so much a matter of can you afford it, as can you afford not to?”

Brigade Electronics commissioned the survey to find out how operators are deploying cameras and CCTV on their fleets and their reasons for using them.

The survey was aimed at fleet managers and those responsible for keeping commercial vehicle fleets compliant. A total of 266 drivers and fleet managers responded throughout February and March 2020.

Brigade specialises in technology aimed at reducing the risk of collisions and protecting vulnerable road users by minimising vehicle blind-spots and by helping drivers to manoeuvre safely.

The company’s product portfolio includes 360° camera systems, camera monitor systems, White Sound reversing alarms, obstacle detection sensors, obstacle detection radar and digital recorders.

To see the full findings of this insightful survey, which covers topics including Direct Vision Standard, driver-facing technology and future features, download the free Camera white paper today.