SmartDrive Event Recorder FAQ
Why does ICSA require forward facing event recorders in the trucks?
• Event recorders are installed to protect your company and your drivers from unfounded and
fraudulent claims and allegations. Statistics show that 80% of crashes involving commercial
trucks and passenger vehicles are caused by the driver of the passenger vehicle. Yet, truck
drivers are often targeted and unfairly presumed responsible.
• We want to protect a driver's CDL and driving record and to better support our driver’s
professional goals.
• We want to help you recognize unsafe driving practices as early as possible and assist in
improving driving skills and habits.
• How does the SmartDrive event recorder work?
• The event recorder works on a loop. When it is “triggered,” the SmartRecorder automatically
offloads an event.
• When a triggering event (described below) happens, the event recorder captures the 10 seconds
before the triggering event and the 10 seconds after the triggering event, and then uploads that
20 second video clip to the SmartDrive Review Center. The video clip is then reviewed by a
SmartDrive professional reviewer who looks for events of interest as agreed to by ICSA. Each
video event is reviewed fairly and consistently by SmartDrive.
• If an event of interest is identified, it is made available for viewing to the designated person at
your company.
• What "triggers" and uploads a recording?
• Shock (curb strike, pothole, crash, abuse)
• Active Safety Alert (for example):
• Roll Stability
• Following Distance
• Collision Mitigation
• Excessive Speed
• Severe Maneuvers (for example):
• Hard Braking
• Hard Acceleration
• U-Turn
• Swerve
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• Manual Activation
• The driver may press a button on the unit to offload a recording of an event. Examples of when
a driver may wish to activate the button include: an unsafe motorist, closed gates, traffic delays,
shipper delays, post-accident views of drivers and passengers from other vehicles or road
conditions.
• Is there a microphone, and can you hear me?
• When a 20 second event is captured and uploaded for review, the sound associated with that
recorded event will be captured. The SmartDrive system will not allow anyone to listen or
watch a driver in real time. The SmartRecorder cannot be remotely activated.
• What happens if I am involved in a collision?
• If you have been involved in a collision, chances are that SmartDrive will have recorded an
event. To be on the safe side, ICSA wants you to push the Manual Activation button to start
recording the event within seconds of the event. This will help ensure we have the necessary
proof to protect our driver, their CDL and clean driving record.
• How does the SmartDrive event recorder know if I do a U-turn?
• The SmartDrive system can leverage engine data, GPS, and G-Force measurements to
understand if a vehicle is making a U-Turn. As a reminder, you should never do a U-turn on a
public highway even if allowed by local ordinance.
• How does the system know where traffic lights and signals are?
• The SmartDrive system does not know where a traffic light or sign is located. If something
triggers the SmartRecorder, SmartDrive will verify if a traffic light or sign was violated during the
20 second video event. The violation of the traffic light or sign does not by itself trigger the
SmartRecorder.
• Can you see my location?
• The SmartDrive event recorder does have a GPS system installed. It is used to document the
location of events recorded but is not used to track the tractor.
• What expectation does ICSA have?
• Drivers should drive professionally and safely.
• If there is a triggering event and an event is uploaded, we expect that it will be reviewed by the
driver and/or a constructive conversation about the event discussed with the designated
manager.
• Is there an “Emergency” button and how does it work?
• The SmartDrive event recorder is equipped with a “Manual Activation” button. This button is
located on the bottom of the event recorder and can be pushed any time to document an event
or situations. There is no “emergency” button that would summon assistance from first
responders.
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• Can the driver turn the event recorder on and off?
• No, the driver cannot turn the event recorder on and off. The SmartDrive event recorder is
always working to protect the driver, their CDL, their driving record and the company.
• What happens if I have an event recorded?
• The event recorder is always working. However, >90% of the recordings never leave the event
recorder. Should an event be uploaded and forwarded to you or your manager, please take the
time to watch and discuss the event.
• Just like an NFL Quarterback reviews video clips on the sidelines to perform better the next time
he steps on the field; we use event recordings to help our drivers polish their skills. Our mission
is to help professional drivers go from good to great, or great to exceptional.