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Four reasons why European fleets are finally embracing video telematics

For the average person, dashcams probably bring to mind those viral road compilations making rounds on TikTok. For cargo fleets, they’ve evolved into must-have tools for increasing safety, lowering costs, and building brand trust.

All fleets? Well, not entirely… Many fleets in Europe have been holding out against this technology — mainly because of strict privacy regulations and cultural resistance to what was essentially seen as workplace monitoring. But researchers now tell us that the European market for video telematics has more than doubled since 2020 and is expected to double again over the next five years. Something’s obviously changed.

What’s behind this shift? Two words: artificial intelligence. That is, the rise of AI-driven video safety solutions — such as our own video management system — that ditch highly intrusive surveillance practices in favor of privacy-conscious risk prevention.

Let’s take a closer look at the four key ways AI-powered video telematics is driving adoption in Europe and why now might be the perfect time to get on board.

1. GDPR-compliant dashcams handle privacy issues like a pro

While the pressure to adopt proactive safety measures is rising (more on that in a bit), European fleet operators must keep up with some of the world’s strictest data protection laws. That’s where basic video monitoring falls short, but AI-powered cameras excel:

  • Instead of continuously recording everything, AI distinguishes safety events from normal driving and captures only the moments that matter — nothing more.
  • Privacy-first solutions auto-blur all faces and license plates and have strict access controls. They also know when to delete footage in line with data retention rules.
  • Because these systems understand what they’re seeing, they can automatically sort and categorize events for easy reporting and auditing.
  • Some solutions use geofences to turn off the camera in areas where the law prohibits recording — such as military zones or private property.
Basically, what was once seen as a data privacy nightmare, can now be a GDPR-friendly tool for actively increasing your fleet’s safety. Which brings us to the next point:

2. Regulators and customers push for preventative safety measures

On one hand, you have EU legislators turning their focus on proactive safety, including driver monitoring technology to assist drivers and reduce the number of serious accidents on European roads. In fact, the European Commission has mandated that, by 2026, all new vehicles must be equipped with advanced driver distraction warning systems.
On the other hand, you have customers with their own safety goals to meet — driven by legislation or by the end-consumers’ demand for safer and more responsible practices. Plus, they want to know their cargo is safer with you. So they’re bound to be asking questions about your safety scores and how you go about increasing fleet safety.
How does AI-powered video telematics address these pressures?
It does so by using AI-driven risk detection and real-time driver coaching to help prevent accidents before they happen.
Intelligent dashcam solutions don’t just document incidents. Their built-in AI processors and smart sensors can detect signs of danger in real time — maybe a driver appears drowsy or distracted, or the vehicle in front brakes suddenly — and instantly sound a warning inside the cabin, giving drivers a chance to react before it’s too late. And this instant feedback doesn’t just help “in the moment”. Over time, another great thing can happen: those risky habits like following too closely or checking phones? As drivers grow more aware of their driving patterns, these behaviors start decreasing.

3. Safety-first approach builds driver trust and softens resistance

Studies show that human error is a factor in over 90% of road crashes — with driver distraction, fatigue, or stress being among the leading causes. While this is true for all drivers, it’s especially true for professional truck drivers, who are working long hours behind the wheel to meet tight delivery schedules, often in hazardous road conditions. None of them needs the added pressure of feeling constantly watched and scrutinized for trying to do their job well.

Modern safety approaches recognize and address this reality. Instead of policing and pointing fingers, they’re designed to proactively support drivers right when they need it most.

When drivers see you’re investing in a union-approved video safety solution that’s there to aid them, protect them, and help them excel at their work — while respecting their right to privacy — the entire conversation changes:

  • When the system focuses only on safety events, they feel supported rather than micromanaged.
  • When they receive targeted private coaching, they can learn from their mistakes without being put on the spot.
  • When they receive fair, evidence-based feedback rather than unfair assumptions, they’re more likely to stick around.
  • When they see that positive behaviors are recognized, they’re more motivated to improve.

4. Today's AI-based video solutions can save fleet lots of money

Increased safety is of course a goal in and of itself. But you still have costs to manage, so money matters too. And any tool that helps you lower costs and adds to your bottom line is all the more appealing.
Traditionally, the appeal of video has been that, when something happens, you don’t need to rely on second-hand reports and biased opinions to understand what went on — the camera is your undeniable eyewitness. This can save you thousands of euros in case of an insurance dispute or false liability claim.

But, add into the equation AI’s ability to prevent something from happening in the first place, and the financial gain becomes far greater: fewer accidents mean lower repair, insurance, and legal costs. It means your vehicles are out on the road making money instead of sitting idle at the workshop. It means making a name for safety and attracting more good business. You’ll even notice your overall fuel and maintenance costs going down as harsh drivers become smoother over time.

Solving the video safety puzzle with SCALAR

Now that advanced video telematics solutions are removing privacy headaches and changing old perceptions, the question isn’t whether you should implement it, but how to do it right.
SCALAR offers an intelligent and easy-to-implement solution that ticks all the boxes discussed above — with GDPR compliance and data security at its core. That’s why more and more fleet operators are choosing it to:
  • reduce accidents with AI-driven risk detection and real-time driver coaching
  • analyze driver behavior to tailor their coaching and improve fleet safety metrics
  • protect sensitive data with auto-blurring and advanced privacy controls
  • defend their reputation and exonerate drivers with irrefutable video evidence
  • negotiate better insurance rates with a proven commitment to safety

See it in action with a free demo

We’re offering no-obligation demos tailored to your fleet’s setup and challenges. Our safety solution experts look forward to showing you how our GDPR-compliant truck dashcams and intuitive fleet safety dashboards can help you increase safety, reduce costs, and boost your reputation.
Get in touch with us today.

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