As the sun goes down, the risk of road accidents goes up. Blurred vision, impaired depth perception, and poor color recognition compromise a driver’s ability to make quick decisions. Even drivers with near-perfect eyesight can still get entangled in a collision when driving in the dark.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 25 percent of driving happens at night. Of this, 49 percent of passenger vehicle fatalities occur. Nighttime driving becomes dangerous when drivers do not see the roads clearly. Even with headlights, visibility can sometimes be limited, making it difficult for drivers to recognize hazards, especially when driving at high speeds.
To avoid these risks, drivers need an extra pair of eyes on the road. Fleet managers need to equip carriers with AI-powered dash cams to alert drivers of potential road hazards and enable them to practice safety measures.
How Does a Dash Cam Help with Driving at Night?
Spending long hours behind the wheel can make even the most seasoned drivers feel disoriented at night. A dash cam can reduce the risk of collision by notifying drivers of possible dangers. AI-powered dash cams like Netradyne’s Driveri® system use a combination of artificial intelligence and machine learning to:
- Improve visibility at night – The HD quality dash cam video clearly captures road signs and other vehicles giving the driver full visibility while driving. Drivers and fleet managers gain visibility of the entire driving day, allowing for better context around both positive and risky driving events. The transitions from day to night are seamless, and drivers can rest assured that the dash cam will improve their safety on the road.
- Observe driving habits and improve safety – Driving is remarkably more challenging when it’s dark. Fatigue, distraction, and drowsiness easily set in, making it harder to focus on the road. Since drivers are less alert at night, a dual-facing AI dash cam that gives in-cab audio alerts to risky driving behavior allows drivers to stay aware while driving. In addition, the recorded footage allows drivers to learn how to proactively correct risky driving behavior, and managers can provide data-driven feedback when coaching.
- Provide a record of events – According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 35 percent of fatal crashes among large trucks happen at night. AI dash cams provide strong video evidence of collisions, allowing managers and the authorities to see who was at fault even when it’s dark. This feature helps exonerate drivers who may be wrongly accused of causing the accident. The Driveri® night vision dashcam uses active illumination to record high-definition videos even in low-light conditions. The road- and driving-facing cameras capture events to give fleet managers a 360-degree view.
- Help with insurance claims – Through visual cues, dash cams help drivers avoid road hazards and, by extension, help manage a company’s insurance costs. In case of an accident, video evidence can help defend drivers and the company against fraudulent claims and help expedite investigations. Since night-vision dashcams capture events in dim environments, fleet owners can provide their insurance provider with high-definition recordings to help prevent costly legal issues and payouts.
What to Look for When Choosing a Dash Cam for Night Driving
Improved nighttime vision is essential to keeping your fleet safe. With an AI dash cam, drivers and managers can have peace of mind in knowing that the cameras can detect dangers along the way.
However, not all dashcams are built for night driving. Below are some features to look for when choosing a night-vision dash cam:
Wide Field of View
Dash cams with a wide field of view have better viewing angles. That means the camera can capture the entire road, allowing you to see what’s happening on the road and present it as evidence in case of accidents. Look for a dash cam with up to 160 degrees viewing angle. Anything larger can make the image appear distorted.
Video Storage and Retrieval
Some dash cams save footage on the cloud, while others record videos on an SD card or in the camera’s built-in memory. Regardless of where your dash cam stores videos, knowing how you can access the footage is critical. Ensure videos are not overwritten, so you can retrieve them when needed.
Ease of Installation
Installing an AI-powered dash cam takes about 20 minutes to complete. Most dash cams have an adhesive strip to help mount them inside the cab. Once you have installed the camera in its optimal position, you should be able to connect it to an app that allows you to adjust the settings and control its operation.
How Netradyne’s Dash Cams Can Help Your Fleet
Smart dash cams help improve drivers’ reaction times by analyzing road conditions and alerting drivers of potential hazards. Netradyne’s Driveri® issues in-cab audio alerts, so drivers have enough to react to what is on the road. That feature enables drivers to make quick, calculated designs and avoid collision and property damage.
AI-powered dash cams like Driveri® are part of a more extensive fleet management system. They provide real-time updates and access to driver data, so managers are aware of what’s happening on the road as if they are sitting right next to their drivers. Driveri® does record not only dangerous events but also positive behaviors to encourage other drivers to break risky driving habits.
Final Thoughts
Night vision AI dash cams make monitoring road conditions and driving behavior easier, even in low-light conditions. With the help of Netradyne’s Driveri®, drivers can make quick decisions even before accidents occur. Smart dash cams use a combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to identify potential hazards that could lead to accidents. The night vision capability enables drivers to see in the dark and avoid potential risks.
Take a closer look at Netradyne’s fleet safety system to better understand how it helps fleets of any size stay safe on the road.
