How AI Is Unlocking New Value From Onboard Cameras

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As the use of onboard cameras has expanded in the trucking industry, so have the capabilities of these video-based systems, which increasingly utilize artificial intelligence to more efficiently extract insights from video and ultimately improve fleet safety.

Predictive analysis of driver behavior, customized driver coaching and exoneration from liability in crashes are among benefits that fleet operators can realize from the use of AI-enabled camera systems on heavy trucks, trucking and technology executives said.

“These days professional drivers really demand a certain level of protection from any fleet that they want to work for,” said Michael Lasko, an executive at Boyle Transportation and Skelton USA. That includes “exonerations from false claims or frivolous claims [and] coaching and skills development.”

Boyle Transportation and Skelton USA started using onboard cameras in 2016 and switched to AI-enabled video systems from Netradyne about three years ago.

Together, Boyle and Skelton operate 150 trucks, nearly all of which are used in over-the-road operations and driven by teams. Those vehicles are fitted with a road-facing dashcam and cameras on each side.

“The lion’s share of accidents — at least what we experience — occurs along the side of the truck,” Lasko said.

A common example is an inattentive car driver drifting into the side of the commercial vehicle.

Boyle Transportation and Skelton USA, which together employ some 300 drivers, are headquartered in Billerica, Mass., and are owned by Vaughan, Ontario-based health care logistics firm Andlauer Healthcare Group.

“We try to keep our safety program positive,” said Lasko, who is assistant general manager and vice president of environmental, health and safety and quality for the two trucking companies.

Fleets should avoid calling drivers only when there is a negative situation to discuss, Lasko said. “That’s usually the death of a good safety program.”

The Netradyne system captures drivers’ good behaviors as well as the bad so managers can recognize and reward instances of exemplary driving.

Broad-brush or unfocused training can cause drivers to become skeptical, Lasko said.

For example, a driver who has never had a backing accident in 25 years might wonder why he is being asked for additional training on backing.

The AI-enabled camera system can identify specific behaviors by specific drivers.

“Gone are the days when every driver got brought into the office to do training about X, Y and Z, whether they needed it or not,” Lasko said. “Now you’re able to really identify things that are meaningful and impactful to a driver and provide them with that training. Drivers appreciate that.”

Boyle uses AI-enabled video safety systems from Netradyne to provide tailored training to its drivers. (Boyle Transportation)

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