The use of dashcams is highly stigmatized by many truck drivers. However, it's completely possible to change their minds.
Convincing truck drivers to adopt dashcams can seem like a tall task to many of those who try to introduce them to their fleets. However, by addressing their concerns, explaining the benefits, and presenting the technology as helpful rather than intrusive, can help truck drivers better understand the carriers objectives and reduce driver turnover.
Emphasize Safety Benefits
One of the biggest appeals of dashcams are the various safety benefits that they provide. Make sure to express these benefits to your truck drivers so that they can understand that the change will have a positive impact on their driving experience.
Explain how dashcams can provide crucial evidence in case of accidents and can help to establish the truth and protect drivers from false insurance claims, and how they can prevent theft and vandalism. This will provide a sense of security for the driver and their cargo while using the dashcam.
Show Financial Advantages
Another huge benefit to the usage of dashcams are the various financial advantages. Express the fact that many insurance companies offer discounts for vehicles equipped with dashcams, leading to lower overall costs. Make sure drivers know that dashcams can save money on legal fees by providing clear evidence in disputes.
Sharing the financial side of the positive advantages that come with dashcams will help drivers understand that they are at many advantages when they use dashcams.
Enhanced Driver Protection
Make sure drivers know that they are better protected with dashcams in their trucks. Explain that dashcams can protect truck drivers from being falsely accused of causing accidents or traffic violations. Emphasize the importance of having a record of events, which can be vital in case of disputes.
Helping truck drivers feel more safe on the job not only will increase their tolerance for dashcams, but will also help them perform better by being less at risk.
Help Consolidate Apps That They Are Using
As dash cameras become more advanced they are able to include more features that help make a truck drivers record keeping easier. More features are being offered in trucking platforms that help carriers consolidate their tools. Some dashcam providers can consolidate document records, engine fault code readings, maintenance task, ELD capabilities into one applications that drivers can navigate easier rather than bouncing between multiple applications.
Present Success Stories
Share success stories from other truck drivers or companies that have benefited from using dashcams, showing their advantages and positive outcomes. Include endorsement from drivers who were initially skeptical but later saw the benefits of having a dashcam.
Listening to the stories of other truck drivers who initially had doubts like them but eventually came around may help drivers make a similar change in perspective.
Address Privacy Concerns
Explain that there are clear policies about when and how footage is reviewed and used, and how incidents and safety matter more than constant surveillance. Explain the measures in place to protect their privacy and ensure that footage is only accessed when necessary.
Privacy concerns are the biggest contributor towards the stigma against dashcams. Helping drivers realize that their privacy is not being invaded is very likely to help them become more accepting towards the new technology.
Open Communication
Hold open discussions with drivers to discuss concerns and answer any questions about dashcams. Be transparent about how and when footage will be used, and involve drivers in the decision-making process.
Being completely transparent and honest about what dashcams are being used for will result in drivers feel more at ease with them in their vehicles.
Provide Incentives
Dashcam footage can be used for more than seeing who is liable in an accident. It can also be used to spot which drivers have good driving habits and consistently make good decisions on the road.
Providing incentives for behavior like this will encourage your drivers to keep up with good driving habits, which will result in less incidents. Incentives give drivers another reason to drive as safe as possible, and provide another advantage for dashcams.
Avoid Micromanaging
The last thing drivers want is for every single action of theirs to be controlled, and that is exactly why using the dashcam to do this will result in drivers resenting their use. Most drivers who work with higher-ups who micromanage them will try to find another job as soon as possible. Avoid micromanaging unless it is necessary for the driver's safety.
Using dashcams to micromanage drivers will only reassure the negative beliefs of drivers surrounding dashcams. If the goal is to convince drivers to adopt them, make them see how they can be beneficial rather than used against them.
Provide Support
Offer training sessions to help drivers understand how dashcams work and how they can be helpful. Make sure drivers know they have access to technical support if they have any issues with them.
Making dashcams seem less like a foreign, all-seeing eye and more like a useful piece of technology will help drivers realize that they have nothing to worry about.
Using these strategies can help drivers understand the benefits of dashcams. Addressing their concerns and explaining how dashcams can improve their safety and security in a respectful and understanding approach will help build trust and acceptance among drivers.
Acceptance is the biggest hurdle in introducing a new form of technology to a workplace. When this hurdle is overcome, drivers will realize how many advantages come in the package of a dashcam.
