Last week I thought I saw it all, when I learned that Waldo Photos is trying to convince parents that “facial recognition at summer camps is fun.”
I thought, things could not get any crazier.
That was until I heard of a company called SmartDrive Systems (SDS).
According to SDS’s own video, truck drivers who don’t want in-cab surveillance cameras “have something to hide!”
SDS is trying to use scare tactics to convince truck drivers that in-cab surveillance cameras are for their safety.
SDS cameras do more than just record what is happening in the cab of a truck.
According to an article in Talk Business & Politics, SDS cameras record when a truck driver speeds, brakes, takes a U-turn or takes a corner and their seat belt usage.
“Trucks with in-cab cameras monitored by SmartDrive Systems start recording when a driver is speeding or hard braking or cornering.”
The article also reveals that SDS gives each driver a “safety score.”
“SmartDrive uses three key performance indicators to determine how it’s improving a fleet’s driver safety: a driver’s safety score, the percentage of coaching events and the effectiveness of the coaching sessions.” (Click here to learn more.)
Why do trucks need outward facing surveillance cameras and what happens to the footage?
What outrageous claim could SDS come up with, to justify turning trucks into mobile surveillance platforms?
SDS claims surveillance cameras are saving the planet
SmartDrive’s claim, that their surveillance cameras “save countless lives and are saving the planet,” is preposterous.
It reminds me of Volkswagen’s ‘Golden Sisters’ emissions scandal video that claimed their diesel engines were clean.
The real reason SDS, wants companies to install their surveillance cameras is so business owners can spy on their drivers and improve their bottom line.
SDS offers numerous types of surveillance programs like their SmartDrive SmartIQ Streams and SmartDrive SmartIQ Pro Services which claims to optimize fuel economy and more.
Some of SmartDrive’s selling points, include things like measuring driver performance, idling analysis, speed bracket analysis and driver misuse of vehicles whatever that means.
Do you really think truck drivers need another form of surveillance?
Think about it, most companies have GPS and ELD devices installed in all their trucks.
ELD devices are incredibly intrusive and offer law enforcement real-time access to a truck drivers travels. (To find out about ELD devices click here and here.)
School buses are no different and perhaps even more intrusive.
School buses have GPS devices, in-cab surveillance cameras and are also outfitted with stop sign cameras.
Don’t believe the hype, what all theses surveillance programs have in common is control. Whether it be control of truck drivers, children at summer camps or the general public.
https://massprivatei.blogspot.com/2018/08/smartdrive-claims-in-cab-surveillance.html
And they wonder why there is a shortage of drivers. As I told my boss:
When they put cameras in the cab staring me in the face then that is my 30 day notice…..I’m done driving trucks.
We are already so monitored, regulated, taxed, it would make a commie shout with glee.
Freedom is long gone and its never coming back.
Just try driving in L.A. traffic with a neutured truck…..speed governor, engine rpm governor, and the cursed radar that stomps the brakes because it senses something that isn’t there and it is always malfunctioning.
The new trucks are electronic pieces of garbage. The other day I pulled into a freightliner dealership for a water leak. There was a whole line of other trucks waiting for repairs as well…..I was the only one with a mechanical problem as all the others were there for computer repairs and that damned DEF system. And the talk was all the same amongst the drivers……the trucks were constantly breaking down due to all the electronics.
Made me very glad that I am not an owner/operator anymore.
When they put a camera in Donald Trumps bedroom, maybe then they can put one in my truck. Until then, let’s get the sht off the San Fransico streets.
Saving the planet…for whom?