Introducing dashcams to drivers: 5 ways to discuss the benefits

Smart dashcams protect and improve businesses with on-road employees by recording 100% of driving time; the AI engine analyses the footage to report key metrics and deliver alerts in real-time to enhance fleet performance and reduce costly incidents.

Installing dashcams in your fleet doesn’t just benefit your company; it benefits your drivers by drastically improving safety and work performance and supporting drivers with video evidence if there is an incident. However, introducing the idea to your employees can result in tricky conversations, particularly if it’s more than just a forward-facing camera that captures the road environment.   

You’ll need to explain the benefits of a dashcam to your team for the best success, but it can be hard to know where to start and how best to approach these discussions.

Here are 5 ways to discuss the benefits of dashcams with your drivers to encourage acceptance and a successful first-time roll-out.

1. Be proactive

Proactive change management is key to your business’s success. Start communicating with your drivers well before you even begin installing dashcams to start your roll-out on the right foot. Answer the main questions drivers and staff may have around privacy and usage before they’re asked, to show that you understand the issues. Run information and training sessions that showcase the benefits with specific examples before installation begins.

Being proactive also gives you the opportunity to identify common concerns you may not have considered and create a strategy to combat these issues before they become a problem. If you can encourage acceptance and normalise dashcam use early on, your team will be far more likely to have a positive outlook once they’re installed.

2. Have individual conversations

Chat to your drivers individually at all stages of your dashcam roll-out. Ask for their feedback and address any concerns or questions; prioritising individual conversations will make your drivers feel heard and supported. You’ll also avoid any negativity about dashcams getting out of hand if your employees were to air their grievances with each other rather than management. 

Similarly, when dashcams are installed, if a problem with driving performance or safety needs addressing, chat to the driver privately and make it a positive learning experience, not a punishment. Focusing on private and positive communication will go a long way in winning acceptance from your drivers.

3. Put your drivers first

When you begin these conversations with your drivers, remember to put your driver centre-stage. Dashcams are for their benefit first and foremost, and the advantages for the company come second. Framing your discussions with your drivers at the forefront is the best way to show them it’s a positive tool for them and remove doubt.

Communicate the risks of not implementing dashcams to the driver—for example, injury from avoidable incidents and legal charges for false accusations. Then discuss the benefits for them with a dashcam installed with specific examples to provide evidence and reinforce your claims. Explain how the AI engine of the smart dashcam is constantly learning and watching out for drivers to keep them safe by identifying distracted driving, fatigue and hazards and capturing important footage.

4. Explain the tangible rewards

Discussions need to be bolstered with action to be effective, and a reward system for safe driving demonstrates your commitment to safety while offering clear benefits for drivers. Use your dashcam roll-out to encourage healthy, light-hearted competition by setting up a scoreboard or regular driver reviews.

Offer incentives like bonuses or gift cards for safe driving habits and improved performance – these immediate, tangible benefits can be a great way to get everyone on board and reinforce the idea that dashcams are positive for drivers.

5. Be transparent

The key here is honesty. Let your team know why dashcams are needed and how they can help. It’s not a tool for spying but a tool to protect their safety, other drivers, and the organisation. Letting drivers know what footage will be viewed or what metrics will be recorded is essential when introducing dashcams to drivers and will help establish trust and ease any concerns.

Update your company policies to include dashcam usage to confirm what you’re telling your staff. Include details about what footage will and will not be accessed, how it will be used, how it will be stored, and what could be taken to court if a legal issue arose. Outline driver expectations and the process for training or performance management if the camera identifies problems.  

 

Communicate for success

Dashcams benefit drivers in more ways than one, ensuring their safety in numerous situations. When communicating the benefits to your drivers, lead with the positives and follow up with action. Be proactive and transparent and support your drivers as you implement change; your reward will be a smooth transition and a successful roll-out.