Figures from the Department for Transport show that, in 2019, HGVs were involved in 4,339 accidents across the United Kingdom. Often the circumstances are unclear, leading to costly litigation and time-consuming reconstructions to establish the facts around an accident. Many accidents could also be avoided if visibility for the driver - particularly visibility of blind spots - was improved. That’s why Astrata has launched VideoLinc, a video surveillance solution that identifies critical events by using images from connected dash cams at the front, rear and sides of the vehicle. Available as a stand-alone solution or integrated with Astrata's DriverLinc solution, VideoLinc combines telematics data with event-based video sequences to provide an overview of what actually happens on the road, streaming live video to the back office upon request or when triggered by a pre-configured alarm.
Using VideoLinc will help to comply with the Direct Vision Standard (DVS), a new vision safety standard that indicates how much drivers can see directly from their cab in relation to other road users. Introduced by Transport for London on 1st March 2021, the DVS affects all vehicles exceeding 12 tonne GVW that enter London and an area stretching all the way to the M25 in places. To comply with the DVS, operators must ensure their driver can see someone's head and shoulders from within an acceptable distance, corresponding with 4.5m on the side of the truck and 2m in front. Operators are responsible for ensuring that the cameras are working before sending HGVs into the Enforcement Zone, with a £550 per day fine for non-compliance.
With rear, side and trailer cams that monitor both critical events that could cause damage, and the movement of cargo during loading, transport and unloading, VideoLinc reduces the risk of cargo damage and cargo theft of high-value or condition-sensitive cargo. This ensures the safe delivery of cargo. The solution also helps to provide evidence and legal protection for businesses and drivers, reducing accident investigation costs and protecting against staged accidents, false and/or exaggerated claims, conflicting reports of incidents, and erroneous allegations (speeding, traffic signal violation, swerving, etc.).
VideoLinc features include:
- Automatically uploads and bookmarks video footage triggered by harsh driving behaviour, such as fast cornering, harsh braking and accelerating, speeding
- Records critical events
- Streams live video to the back office when requested or when triggered by a pre-configured alarm
- All recordings are combined and classified with GPS data and speed information
- Drivers can start the recordings manually
In addition, an optional driver-facing camera can be used to improve safety and driving performance through personalised coaching, based on video sequences analysing driving behaviour (speed, braking, acceleration, etc.).
Abdallah Harati, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing of Astrata, said: "Astrata offers drivers a 360° vision system to reduce the risks for road users around the vehicle. By combining telematics data with video recording of the road, VideoLinc helps to reduce road transport accidents, as well as the time and money spent on resolving them. The solution strengthens the legal protection of business and also helps to ensure cargo security.”
For further details, please visit https://www.astrata.eu/video_solutions
