Why Unmanaged Dashcam Data Is a Liability for Your Trucking Business

Simply equipping vehicles with dashcams is not enough—motor carriers must implement an effective Dashcam Data Management strategy to fully leverage the benefits while mitigating risks.

In the modern trucking industry, safety and compliance are top priorities.

While many local trucking companies may not require ELDs for HOS management, they still utilize dashcams to monitor driver behavior and improve safety.

However, simply having dashcams is not enough—fleet managers must actively manage and analyze the data these devices capture to mitigate risk, improve driver performance, and reduce liability.

Let’s take a closer look at why.

The Importance of Dashcam Data Management

Dashcams provide invaluable insights into driver behavior, accident causation, and overall fleet safety. However, failing to use this data effectively can create a significant liability for trucking companies.

Why? Because dashcam and ELD records can be used in legal cases to either prove negligence or defend against claims.

Dashcam footage serves as:

• Objective Legal Evidence: In the event of an accident, video footage can clearly show what happened, proving whether the truck driver was at fault or if another vehicle was responsible.
• Protection Against Fraudulent Claims: Dashcams help combat staged accidents (e.g., “swoop and squat” scams) by providing indisputable evidence that protects trucking companies from false liability.

Example: A four-wheeler suddenly cuts off a truck and slams on the brakes, causing a rear-end collision. Without dashcam footage, the truck driver may be blamed. With video evidence, the trucking company can prove the driver was not at fault, preventing an expensive settlement.

In addition to dashcams, black box data (or your vehicles computer that telematic devices connect to) provides crucial accident details, such as:

• Speed before impact
• Braking activity
• GPS location
• Steering wheel movement
• Hard stops and acceleration patterns

This information can help reconstruct accidents and determine fault, making it essential for fleet managers to maintain and analyze their data proactively.

Example: If a driver frequently engages in hard braking and lane departures, fleet managers can use dashcam footage to provide targeted coaching before an accident occurs.

The Risk of Failing to Act on Dashcam Data

Having access to dashcam data is one thing—using it effectively is another.

Failure to act on safety alerts and video evidence can create significant liability for trucking companies:

• Negligence in Safety Management: If a company ignores repeated safety alerts about a driver’s reckless behavior, it can be held liable if that driver later causes a crash.
• Legal Consequences in Litigation: Plaintiffs’ attorneys may use a company’s inaction against them, arguing that they had clear evidence of dangerous driving but did nothing to correct it.
• Data Preservation: FMCSA requires ELD data retention for six months, and dashcam footage should also be stored properly.

Example: A trucking company receives multiple dashcam alerts about a driver’s excessive speeding and distracted driving. If the company fails to address these issues and the driver later causes a serious accident, the recorded alerts can be used as evidence of negligence in a lawsuit, leading to a massive legal payout.

This is all about having access to safety alerts and red flags but failing to act on them.

Key considerations:

• Identify Risky Driving Habits: Dashcams can highlight unsafe behaviors such as harsh braking, tailgating, speeding, distracted driving, and failure to wear seatbelts.
• Provide Coaching Opportunities: Instead of relying solely on telematics data, video footage allows managers to coach drivers based on actual events, reinforcing safe driving practices.
• Recognize Safe Driving: Positive reinforcement is just as crucial as corrective action. Video evidence can help reward drivers who consistently follow best practices, improving morale and retention.

Example: A fleet manager notices that multiple drivers are failing to stop at railroad crossings. Using dashcam footage, the company implements a safety refresher course to prevent potential violations and catastrophic accidents.

The Bottom Line: Proactive Safety Management Reduces Liability

By leveraging CNS’s Dashcam Data Management System and corrective action training, trucking companies can take a proactive approach to safety.

Instead of merely reacting to accidents, fleets can use dashcam and black box data to prevent incidents, improve driver behavior, and protect their business from costly litigation.

Investing in structured dashcam data management and remediation services not only enhances safety but also demonstrates a commitment to compliance and risk reduction.

Don’t let valuable fleet data go unused—partner with CNS to turn insights into action and keep your operations running safely and efficiently.

To help trucking companies optimize their use of dashcam technology, CNS has developed a tiered Dashcam Management System that allows fleet managers to:

• Access safety alerts and identify red flags.
• Evaluate driver performance through detailed report cards.
• Implement corrective action training for at-risk drivers.
• Reduce liability by documenting proactive safety measures.

Corrective Action Training and Remediation

If an accident does occur, companies need a structured process for driver remediation.

CNS provides a comprehensive corrective action program that ensures drivers receive proper training and documentation within 24-48 hours of an incident.

Tier 1: Basic Corrective Action Training

1. Assigned Course via CNS Learning Hub – Within 24-48 hours, drivers complete an online safety course, earning a documented certificate.
2. Phone Call Follow-Up – A safety specialist reviews the incident and provides targeted coaching.
3. Dashcam Road Analysis – Fleet managers gain access to dashcam footage to evaluate the incident.
4. Sign-Off Documentation – Completion of the training and review process is formally recorded.

Tier 2: Advanced Corrective Action Training

Includes all Tier 1 services plus:

• Road Test with a Trainer – Drivers undergo a practical assessment with a certified 1-on-1 driver trainer.
• Detailed Incident Review – A more in-depth analysis of the accident, including additional coaching and recommendations for future safety improvements.

To learn more about how CNS can help your fleet stay compliant and safe, contact us at 888.260.9448 or info@cnsprotects.com and we would be glad to help.