DriveCam Video Systems, a provider of vehicle safety systems, announced that it has initiated a 12-month pilot program with four commercial fleets to evaluate the reduction in losses resulting from the installation of the DriveCam video event data recorder. DriveCam is a palm-sized video recorder mounted behind a vehicle’s rearview mirror that captures everything a driver sees and hears in the 20 seconds before, during and after an unusual driving incident. In the pilot program, 150 vehicles will be used to evaluate the impact of DriveCam on the frequency and severity of damage caused by unsafe driving. DriveCam’s wide-angle camera captures unsafe driving experiences, referred to as “events.” Fleets, including passenger transportation, limousine, ambulances and service vehicles, are using DriveCam’s event recordings as a part of a complete Driving Feedback System that provides drivers and their managers with accurate, unbiased feedback on their driving performance. Currently, DriveCam is installed in more than 1,000 commercial vehicles. Tran-Star Executive Transportation Services in North Babylon, NY, is one of the fleets in the pilot program. Within weeks of installing DriveCam in its 65 vehicles, the company began experiencing loss reductions. In addition, the company has used DriveCam event recordings as evidence in accident disputes to prove its vehicles were not at fault. In the efforts of cost containment, insurance carriers and fleet managers are actively looking for ways to improve fleet operations. Carriers encourage programs such as improved driver selection processes, certification programs, driver training, employee incentives and regular vehicle maintenance. Increasingly, DriveCam is being viewed by the industry as an effective loss control system. DriveCam's digital recording allows fleet managers to easily view an event on a TV, camcorder or personal computer. Seeing and hearing an event just as the driver did provides them with valuable feedback that can be used to improve driving habits. The complete Driving Feedback System includes a manager's guide, driver guide, videotape and Event Manager software for logging and tracking vehicle events.