FLEET SAFETY
weaknesses, and managers can utilize
video-based safety to identify
the behaviors that need coaching so
as to avoid costly, dangerous incidents
before they occur.
Furthermore, video-based
safety can help ensure agencies
comply with the Safety Management
Systems (SMS) approach, the
THE ADVANTAGES of unbiased
analysis, increased exoneration,
cost-saving measures, and a
safer roadway underscore the
importance of a video-based
safety program. SmartDrive
new safety regulatory framework
from the Federal Transit Administration
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54 | Mass Transit | MassTransitmag.com | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
(FTA). As part of the SMS
approach, the Public Transportation
Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) Final
Rule requires some operators of
public transportation systems that
receive federal funds to formulate
plans that include the processes and
procedures necessary for implementing
SMS. Video-based safety
programs can ensure that these
transportation organizations are
compliant with the framework, and
are following the requisite protocols
to stay SMS compliant.
Exonerating operators
when they’re not at fault
Oft en in a crash involving a bus
(or any large vehicle), the operator
is the fi rst to be blamed. When the
“blame game” escalates to “he said,
she said,” it’s not unlikely for fault to
be assigned to the operator, whether
this is where responsibility actually
lies or not. According to Cheever, the
problem is exacerbated by a lack of
witness testimony. “Testimony is
diffi cult because people who are
witnesses to an accident oft en have
busy schedules and things to do, so
getting someone to stick around to
help sort out the mess can be extremely
diffi cult.”
A video-based safety program
can solve this issue of blame.
Captured video footage provides
precise and unbiased evidence that
shows what actually happened. In
instances where video footage is
available, operators are more likely
to be exonerated when they are not
at fault in a collision. Cheever mentioned
that in multiple instances his
operators have been exonerated as a
result of the company’s video-based
safety system.
Th ese exonerations not only protect
the operator and his or her livelihood,
but it saves the agency from
expensive legal settlements. In those
instances when the operator is at
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