Please keep all Samsara cameras uncovered and correctly positioned.
Do not use tape, tissue, or anything else to block them, and do not turn them away. Samsara sends us an obstruction alert identifying the vehicle.
We are not routinely watching drivers. We review footage when an obstruction alert, accident, or incident needs attention. These cameras help protect you, our passengers, and the company.
Our insurance company uses footage and driving data when reviewing claims. A clear camera helps establish what happened—including whether a driver was looking at the road or distracted. A blocked camera leaves important questions unanswered.
The four examples below show why this matters.
The vehicle encounters heavy rain. Around 12 seconds into the video, it begins drifting into the opposite lane before the driver loses control and both airbags deploy.
The driver-facing footage shows the driver looking at the road, with no visible phone use. However, the recorded speed is approximately 120 km/h in a posted 100 km/h zone.
The lesson: Stay within the posted limit and slow down further when weather or visibility requires it. The clear camera also helps document the driver’s attention and actions.
In this incident, the driver is travelling below 30 km/h on an icy residential road when an accident occurs. The driver-facing footage shows her looking at the road, with no visible distraction.
The lesson: Driving below the speed limit does not always mean the speed is safe for the conditions. Clear footage helps document the road conditions and the driver’s actions when an incident is reviewed.
Around 23–24 seconds into this video, a passenger falls. The passenger later claimed that the driver had braked hard, causing the fall. Our review of the available footage and driving data did not support that account.
The lesson: Video allows us to investigate complaints fairly and respond with evidence. If the camera is blocked or pointed away, we may lose the evidence needed to defend a driver against an inaccurate claim.
During heavy snow near Revelstoke, the vehicle is travelling approximately 30 km/h when it strikes a fallen tree that is difficult to see ahead. Only the road-facing footage is available from this older incident.
The lesson: Poor visibility requires extra caution. Footage and speed data help explain the conditions and circumstances surrounding an unexpected obstacle.
Fortunately, no passengers were aboard during the three weather-related accidents.
Keep the cameras clear. Keep your attention on the road.
Before every trip, check that the cameras are uncovered and correctly positioned. Report any camera problems to the office. Let’s work as a team to protect each other and our passengers.