Customer Service Tops Recorder Benefits

In March 2012, Trans Am Ambulance Services in Olean, NY, decided to move away from its event-triggered dash cameras. The availability of cost-effective replacements for the existing cameras was becoming a concern.

The ambulance service turned to Digital Ally's Video Event Data Recorder (VEDR) instead. "A big part of our requirements was the ability to track speed and location of vehicles when an event occurred," says Alex Smith, IT systems administrator at Trans Am. He adds that his service wants to be able to set their own sensor limits to allow the cameras to record for specific triggers.

The VEDR includes a compact interface box that allows for these automatic options, such as shifting a vehicle into reverse, emergency lights, door sensors, etc. The triggers can be set to record from specific, and up to a maximum of eight, cameras.

Simple installation is a priority for on-the-go EMS professionals, and the VEDR offers that with the ability to simply remove the factory mirror of a vehicle and install the product. The entire system is integrated into a rear-view mirror to minimize space and keep the driver’s line of sight clear.

Smith says some of the drivers feel like they are being watched while driving, “and that’s because they are.” He says management, however, loves to see the driving behaviors on the road, and then be able to correct policy and safety concerns. “This product allows us to see what is happening on the road and influence future driving behavior,” Smith adds.

While time management and efficiency are big pluses for Trans Am, Smith says he doesn’t want to overlook what he considers the biggest asset Digital Ally offers: outstanding customer service and support. “The team at Digital Ally was, and remains, more than willing to address any and all problems that arose from installation and updates,” he says. Smith says that the company has listened to suggestions from Trans Am Ambulance and helped tailor the product to fit its needs.

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