Roadcrew, part of Volvo Group UK Ltd, guides readers through the possible solutions when fitting vehicle monitoring systems to fleets.
There are clear benefits to fitting a fleet with camera technology, but with numerous options in the market, it is sometimes hard to distinguish between all the available systems, and will most likely raise the following questions:
► How many cameras do I need?
► Is a dash camor DVR system right for my fleet?
► Would I benefit from 3G connectivity to view live and download?
► How do I install a system?
First, let’s take a look at the range of vehicle monitoring systems available to vehicles.
Left Turn Warning Kit
This provides a clear spoken voice for “Warning! Vehicle turning left”, which helps protect road users and drivers, reduces the impact of the blind spot area and the likelihood of collisions on the nearside.
7″ HD Touch Monitor
Provides the driver with a HD image of any given camera they want to look at, so that they can view their surroundings to ensure the vehicle is safe to move in the direction required.
Digital Video Recorder (DVR) Kit
Records all the time, and bookmarks the recording whenever an incident/accident is detected by the unit’s built in shock sensor and/or when an alarm input is activated. The system can also record the driving style of a driver (acceleration, braking, steering, stops).
Front Camera Kit
Monitoring the road ahead means that in the instance of any accident/incident there is proof of what has transpired in front of the vehicle – coupled with the on-board DVR kit, this can give a complete record of
a vehicle’s journey.
Side Camera Kit (x 2)
Cameras show both sides of the vehicles and are ideal for the left-hand blind spot and overhang.
Rear Camera Kit
Showing what is behind the driver whenever reverse gear is selected, with an audible proximity alert – especially useful on articulated trailers.
SideSafe Kit
Four sensors are mounted on the nearside of the vehicle and a warning system inside the cab. When the vehicle slows to 10mph, the system will monitor that area for cyclists and pedestrians. If someone is detected, it warns the driver visibly with a traffic light display, then with sound as the distance between them and the vehicle decreases.
Would I benefit from 3G connectivity to view live and download?
With the Roadcrew range of Vehicle Monitoring Systems adding connectivity via 3G, this can provide a host of benefits, reducing risk and aiding fleet efficiency.
3G connectivity enables:
► Instant access to video footage and key data points
► Users to keep track of a fleet at all times
► An improvement in driver performance
How do I install a system?
A Vehicle Monitoring System can be one of the largest auxiliary systems to be installed on a vehicle. If it is fitted incorrectly the system may not record vital footage, while at worst it could also invalidate a vehicle’s warranty and lead to serious electrical failures, risking the event of a fire.
It is not uncommon to find side cameras fitted on the rear of the vehicles, rear cameras fitted as forward facing cameras and bus camera systems installed on a tractor unit – meaning these products are unsuitable for the job they are doing.
Vehicle manufacturers state that any soldering or splicing of OE vehicle harnessing means you would invalidate your warranty, yet this doesn’t seem to deter companies from employing these potentially dangerous methods. Poor installation presents a real safety risk in terms of wiring over-heating, or worse, sparking.
Incorrect installation can have consequences that far outweigh any savings and the malfunction of a noncompliant, potentially unsafe job could cost thousands of pounds in repairs and downtime. At Roadcrew, we offer the chance for peace of mind that a product is installed correctly, with fitment carried out by trained installers.
