Artificial intelligence (AI) has become integral to today’s technology and operations. One way we can experience the benefits of AI is through the use of AI-powered smart dash cams—intelligent dashboard cameras that can perform an array of safety and efficiency-enhancing functions.
When it comes to running a successful fleet business, driver safety needs to be a priority. Every fleet manager knows that drivers are their most important resource, and making sure they feel safe, secure, and productive on the road is imperative. AI dash cams can assist with all these objectives and more.
Driver behaviour tracking, real-time incident detection, emergency alerts, cloud uploads, and HD image quality are just some of the features offered by Crystal Ball’s 4G AI SmartCam.
What AI Dash Cams Are And How They Work
AI dash cams are advanced vehicle security cameras fitted onto the dashboard of a car, truck, van, or HGV. They use AI technology to detect high-risk situations, monitor driver behaviour, and record HD real-time footage of the driver experience during fleet travel.
Crystal Ball’s SmartCam can also send automatic alerts to fleet managers in real time. Additionally, the inward-facing camera is an add-on to the outer-facing camera, and this enhances driver and road safety even further. Using facial recognition software, the dash cam can detect driver behaviour and identify if a driver is distracted, not looking at the road, on their phone, or falling asleep. The AI technology can then alert the driver in real time and prevent a collision from occurring. The fleet manager can receive an alert at the same time, too.
Overall, these smart cams are designed to provide a more holistic view of driver safety and prevent accidents from occurring on the road.
What Are The Safety Enhancements Of AI-Powered Smart Cams?
One of the primary objectives of an AI-powered dash cam is to enhance the safety of drivers and all those they come into contact with on the road. This goal is achieved through the following features:
1. Alerts for unusual events
In the event of a collision, accident, or unexpected route deviation, dash cams can send automatic notifications or alerts to fleet management via an app. This allows fleet managers instant access to vital information that can have life-saving outcomes for drivers.
Fleet managers can also set up their AI dash cams to send out alerts for vehicle maintenance reminders, ensuring that fleets are always up to date with road compliance laws and fit to carry drivers to their destinations in a safe and sustainable way.
2. Sudden motion detection
Crystal Ball’s SmartCam has built-in technology for detecting sudden changes in speed, cornering, and braking. This helps drivers and fleet managers become alerted to potentially hazardous situations and adjust behaviour to avoid damage or danger.
3. Facial recognition
Facial recognition, AKA smart recognition, can help to detect risky driver behaviour in real time. When the AI notices that drivers are distracted, their eyes are not on the road, they have moved away from the wheel, or are exhibiting signs of extreme fatigue, it can sound an in-cab alert that alerts them to their infraction.
These alerts help provide live training or coaching to drivers, alerting them to improve their behaviour as it occurs. This is hugely beneficial for fleet managers, as it happens automatically without any additional time or cost while at the same time helping to improve their drivers’ safety.
4. Driver behaviour tracking
Distracted driving and reckless road behaviour cannot be tolerated in any business with a fleet. AI smart cams can detect unsafe driving habits such as texting while driving and falling asleep behind the wheel. This helps regulate driving behaviour and promote safe driving habits.
Maintaining a clear view of driver behaviour also means that management can appropriately reward or reprimand employees as needed. Safe driving habits can be rewarded with positive reinforcement or bonuses, while unsafe driving practices can be dealt with as needed.
What Are The Operational Efficiencies Of AI Dash Cams?
Part of what makes AI dash cams so advantageous is the fact that they not only enhance safety but promote operational efficiency and organisation, too. Here’s how these devices accomplish this:
1. Secure cloud storage
Using the Driver App, Crystal Ball’s AI SmartCams can upload video footage to a secure cloud as it is captured in real time. All of that video data is categorised and stored so that fleet management can use it for future reference in the event of a collision, dispute, or insurance claim.
2. Improved driver training programme design
Providing drivers with sufficient training before allowing them to join your fleet is crucial for ensuring overall fleet safety and a solid reputation for your company.
Having access to such an enormous database of HD video content and driver behaviour patterns means being able to design training programmes that are deeply comprehensive.
Studies show that employees who receive proper training or undergo strong onboarding programmes are far more likely to perform well and remain loyal to their company, making this aspect of AI dash cams highly advantageous.
3. Simplified insurance claims process
Unfortunately, accidents and grievances are a reality in the fleet industry. Insurance claims are commonplace, and when they happen, you need as much legitimate evidence as possible to produce fair and legal outcomes.
The unbiased video footage that AI dash cams provide can help expedite the insurance claim process and ensure that every involved person gets their due, whether it is compensation or punishment.
4. Enhanced visibility over your fleet
Ultimately, using AI dash cams means getting to manage your fleet from a much broader and more comprehensive perspective. They can help lower maintenance costs, regulate driver behaviour, reduce accidents, and promote a more efficient management system for fleet companies.
AI smart cams play a major role in the operational components of fleet management, both visually and in terms of data value. Companies that use them not only become more competitive but also increase their ROI and invest in the safety and productivity of their employees.
Not all AI dash cams are made equal – type and brand matters
There are a few different types of AI-powered smart cams on the market, but all of them are designed with these core features in mind: monitoring driver behaviour and safety, preventing accidents, and recording footage of driver behaviour throughout a journey.
Even though AI dash cams have only been on the market for a relatively short time, several varieties have already been developed for fleet managers and brands to choose from.
For instance, not all AI smart cams offer real-time driver behaviour recognition, HD video footage, or GPS location tracking. Some offer multi-perspective video recording (rear, driver, and road ahead visuals), while others offer dual-perspective, and some are singular.
Currently, Crystal Ball is one of the few commercial AI dash cams that offer automated cloud storage for video footage gathered for each trip. With Crystal Ball’s AI-powered SmartCam, no manual uploads are required—real-time monitoring is available through the connected Driver App that is set up for cloud-based recording.
The Future Of Fleet Management
AI dash cams are revolutionising the fleet services industry. Equipped with facial recognition technology, automated alerts, cloud storage features, and more, Crystal Ball’s SmartCam makes fleet management easier, safer, and more efficient.
Investing in an AI dash cam can help your drivers keep their eyes on the road, protect employees from high-risk situations, and promote a safer, smoother, and more streamlined journey to their destination.
Crystal Ball offers apps and dash cams designed to improve efficiency and operations. For more information about how our dash cams and apps can help fleet managers, contact us now.