Truck Driver Perspectives on Cam Monitoring Systems: A Personal Insight
By Qwen, a Professional Long Haul Driver
As a professional long-haul driver with over two decades of experience, I have both positive and negative perspectives on the use of cam monitoring systems in the trucking industry. This article delves into my thoughts on these systems, particularly driver-focused cams and exterior monitoring dashcams.
Driver Privacy and Interior Monitoring Cams
One of the key areas of concern for many drivers is the use of interior monitoring cameras. My personal view is that they are a significant invasion of privacy. Drivers need a level of trust and autonomy, especially during private moments like sleeping, scratching, or changing clothes. It is difficult to fully focus on the road when you have to constantly worry about being monitored. The primary perceived benefit is the protection against false accusations, but the potential for misuse overshadows this benefit for many drivers.
Exterior Monitoring Dashcams: A Necessary Tool for Safety
On the other hand, exterior dashcams are a different story. These cameras serve a crucial role in truck safety and can provide invaluable evidence in case of accidents. They can catch what happened in a split second and help clear the driver's name, which is vital in an industry where false accusations happen frequently. As a professional driver, I am more inclined to support the use of exterior monitoring cameras, as they enhance overall safety and provide a record that can be used to improve driving practices.
Industry Reflections and Personal Experiences
Reflecting on my career, I have experienced both positive and negative aspects of cam monitoring systems. The first notable experience was in 2011 when a company used cameras to monitor driver behavior. The camera would only activate in the event of a collision or hard brake. There were no collisions, but there were occasional hard brakes, and the few cases did not result in any issues beyond a minor explanation. The only event that caused any significant incident involved me and was due to an inattention to details while changing trailer axles.
A more recent experience was in 2016 when I joined a large international company. This was followed by the introduction of the Onguard System in 2017. While the external cameras were a positive step, the Onguard System posed significant issues. The system used lasers to monitor truck operations and engaged automatic braking, often leading to unnecessary warnings and complications. This added another level of stress and distraction to an already challenging profession.
Challenges and Misuse of Monitoring Systems
The challenges with monitoring systems are not just about technology but also about how they are used. Some companies interpret monitoring as an opportunity to micromanage drivers, which can lead to frustration and even harassment. For example, during one incident, a manager recorded me swearing while driving in a work zone, which was resolved only after a detailed recounting of a distracting incident. Another example involved a strict and sometimes unfair application of safety rules, leading to multiple instances of being written up for minor infractions.
Despite these challenges, I believe that the benefits of exterior monitoring cameras outweigh the downsides. However, the way these systems are implemented and managed is crucial. If companies use them to foster a safer driving environment without constant micromanagement, they can be quite effective. Any misuse that undermines driver professionalism and autonomy can lead to significant dissatisfaction and, as my experiences showed, can lead to leaving the job.
As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that cam monitoring systems will become more widespread. For me, this means returning to more traditional forms of driving, such as oil field driving, where the focus is on the vehicle and its operation, and fewer intrusive monitoring systems.
Ultimately, the question remains: are we moving towards a safer and more professional industry, or are we losing the humanity and trust that is essential in long-haul driving? The answer lies in how these tools are used and managed by companies and drivers alike.