Omnitracs says its new Critical Event Video is a fully integrated in-cab video solution that ties into the company’s Critical Event Reporting as well as into its electronic logging technology to help protect driver privacy.

CEV can improve driver training and mitigate liability risks associated with accidents and other critical events such as hard braking, hard stops, loss of stability control and improper following distance, says the company.

CEV is the only in-vehicle video solution fully integrated with Omnitracs’ Critical Event Reporting. This integration matches front-facing and optional driver-facing video with factors such as hard braking, speeding, stability control, following time and collision warning/mitigation, as well as information about the time and location of the event and the truck’s actual speed.

The CEV solution allows companies to easily capture high-quality video that can be reviewed within minutes of the triggered event. With DVR functionality, customers can also request video for specific dates and times to provide insights into driver behavior and assist during investigations into incidents that may have occurred without triggering a critical event. Additionally, prequel and sequel features add clips before and after to build a complete timeline of a critical event, creating a comprehensive view of cause and liability.

The driver-facing camera option automatically disengages through a unique integration with Omnitracs Hours of Service, allowing drivers to preserve their own privacy when not on duty.

Omnitracs notes that Federal Highway Administration data shows that fatal accidents involving trucks and passenger cars are more than three times as likely to result from the car driver’s behavior. However, when cases are litigated, the transportation company historically bears as much as 90% of the damages. Critical Event Video can provide visual proof to help exonerate drivers.

“Incorporating in-vehicle video into their company’s safety and risk management strategy is an important choice more and more of our customers are making,” said Drew Schimelpfenig, safety product management and integrations manager at Omnitracs. “We want to give those companies a fully integrated in-vehicle video solution that fits seamlessly within their day-to-day operations.”