Think on-board cameras are used only to monitor drivers and punish them for bad driving behaviours? That’s not always the case, as evidenced by a recent example in which a camera helped capture a potentially life-saving maneuver, resulting in the driver receiving a distinguished award.
Harry Cogswell, a 25-year driver for Pitt Ohio was driving along I-94 near Ann Arbor, Mich., when he came across an overturned car in his lane. With nearly no time to respond, he steered and braked hard to avoid the collision, just as an occupant of the car was emerging from his vehicle.
While Cogswell parked his truck to return on foot, a bus rounded the same corner and plowed into the car - fortunately, after the motorist escaped.
Cogswell’s truck was equipped with SafetyDirect from Bendix, which provides fleet owners with a Web portal through which they can monitor real-time driver performance data. The system features video-capture capabilities, recording incidences like the one Cogswell was involved in.
“Harry’s driving experience and trained response allowed him to avoid that accident, giving the other driver a crucial bit of extra time to escape safely,” said Jeff Mercadante, director of safety at Pitt Ohio. “The SafetyDirect video and data from that morning show that he had just two seconds to react before his truck would have hit the car. SafetyDirect told the story…The video and accompanying information give us conclusive facts as to what is happening on the roads. This allows us to sit down with drivers and conduct very specific reviews, which enables much more effective coaching.”
Cogswell was honoured with a Truckload Carriers Association Highway Angel award for his actions.
