Ford has launched a new Telematics with Dashcam system to help van fleets gather clearer evidence after road incidents, while also supporting driver coaching and duty-of-care obligations.

The setup combines an OEM-grade dashcam with the existing Ford Pro Telematics platform, allowing fleet managers to access footage, monitor events and review driver behaviour through a single system. Ford says the aim is to help businesses deal more effectively with disputed claims and reduce the number of cases where drivers are unfairly blamed.

Ford is backing the launch with research showing the issue is a common one. According to its survey, 81% of fleet managers believe their drivers have been wrongly blamed in accidents, while 84% say they are concerned about the financial impact of vehicles being held liable in incidents that were not their fault.

Ford Telematics with Dashcam

The system uses 1080p recording from both a road-facing and in-cab camera, with infrared support for low-light conditions. Video can be triggered automatically by telematics events, such as harsh braking or speeding, while drivers can also manually activate recording if needed.

The platform can also use AI and machine vision to identify higher-risk behaviour, including distracted driving, mobile phone use, lack of seatbelt use and signs of fatigue. That information can then be used for coaching and safety management, rather than simply incident review.

Privacy is an obvious concern with any in-cab camera system, but the research also showed that 75% of van drivers would either be okay with being recorded if the footage is secure or would welcome it if it helps them drive more safely.

Ford’s system has been designed to address that through secure footage storage and controlled access. The system has been developed with Lytx and stores video on a 128GB microSD card protected by security screws, while also allowing live streaming through the Ford Pro Telematics platform, where authorised.

Installation is available either through a plug-and-play setup or a hardwired option, and Ford says the system can be fitted to fleet vehicles regardless of make or model. It is available to UK customers now.

Phil Huff
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