Driving Success Webinars
When a crash happens, the truth should be easy to prove. That’s why fleets are turning to accident reconstruction software—not to “watch” drivers, but to protect them, resolve claims faster, and defend their reputation. In this episode, our guests from Extract show how integrated telematics, dashcams, and driver-friendly reporting help fleets cut claim time, lower costs, and win more cases.
VLC partners with trusted industry leaders like Geotab and Extract, combining advanced data, telematics, and video solutions to give fleets a complete safety and compliance ecosystem that works seamlessly from the cab to the back office.
Why Accident Reconstruction Software Matters
Accidents aren’t always avoidable. What happens next determines your risk and your reputation.
- Faster, smarter claims: Pull telematics and dashcam footage in real time, triage the incident, and kick off the claim before the first phone call.
- Single source of truth: Combine telematics, camera clips, photos, statements, and location data into one shareable pack.
- Lower total cost of risk: Reduce cycle times, improve subrogation, and help insurers price you fairly.
- Driver-first protection: Clear evidence defends safe drivers and lowers turnover tied to disputed incidents.
Inside the Workflow: Notify → Reconstruct → Replay
Notify (roadside reporting)
Drivers can quickly submit a guided incident report from the Geotab Drive app—including location pins, third-party details, photos, and a short description. This takes just minutes and captures critical data while it’s still accurate.
Reconstruct (evidence you can trust)
Telematics animate the sequence of events, leveraging Geotab’s real-time vehicle data and Extract’s powerful reconstruction platform. Fleet managers can visualize the full incident, including speed, impact, location, and conditions, while reviewing dashcam footage and vehicle data all in one place.
Replay (share securely)
Compile only the information you choose into a secure, read-only link for your insurer, TPA, or counsel. Every file is timestamped, organized, and accessible—reducing friction and saving valuable time.
Beyond Collisions: One Platform, Many Incident Types
The same streamlined workflow applies to theft, vandalism, hit-while-parked, weather damage, cargo damage, hazardous spills, and more. Standardized digital reports ensure faster claims and more accurate documentation.
Adoption Is a Process Change—Not a Heavy Lift
Automation removes the need for phone tag, manual paperwork, or multiple systems. Safety and fleet managers can focus on what matters—keeping drivers safe and operations running smoothly.
Data Security You Can Explain in One Sentence
Encrypted at rest and in transit. Shared through permissioned, time-limited links. You control every level of access.
Quick Q&A From the Webinar
Is the driver app hard to use?
No. The interface is simple and intuitive, requiring little to no training.
Will this become standard in trucking?
Yes. Leading fleets are already adopting accident reconstruction software to stay ahead of risk and cost challenges.
How does this fit with VLC?
VLC integrates seamlessly with Geotab and Extract, making it easy for fleets to unify safety, compliance, and claims management in one connected solution.
See It in Action
Watch the full webinar replay to see how telematics data and dashcam footage come together to tell the full story—and how fleets are reducing claims costs by up to 40%.
Ready to protect your drivers and streamline your claims process?
Schedule a free demo with VLC today and discover how accident reconstruction software can transform the way your fleet manages safety, compliance, and costs.
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Driving Success Webinars
When it comes to fleet safety, cameras are no longer a “nice to have”—they’re becoming essential. But with questions about privacy, driver trust, and ROI, many fleets still hesitate.
In our August Driving Success Webinar, we partnered with experts from Geotab and Xirgo to tackle the biggest questions fleets have about dashcams and in-cab video technology.
This interactive Q&A explored legal risks, technology choices, and real-world driver experiences to separate myth from reality—and show how cameras can transform fleet safety.
Key Topics Covered
Legal & Risk Concerns
- Who owns the footage? Fleets, not vendors, control video access.
- Court protection: Cameras protect against unfair claims and nuclear verdicts.
- Insurance benefits: Clear video evidence can lower costs and protect driver reputations.
The ROI of Camera Systems
- Beyond “just in case” coverage, cameras offer coaching opportunities and visibility.
- Drivers gain an added layer of protection when incidents occur.
- Safer driving behaviors reduce risk—and turnover.
Choosing the Right Camera System
- Forward-facing vs. dual-facing: Depends on company policies and safety goals.
- Use cases: From monitoring tailgating and speeding to ensuring lane-change safety.
- Technology evolution: AI-powered cameras deliver faster, smarter, more accurate results than ever before.
Building Driver Trust
- Open communication is key—drivers need to understand cameras are for protection, not surveillance.
- Success stories spread quickly—when drivers see cameras clear them of blame, adoption skyrockets.
- Tools like Geotab’s alerts make tampering easy to detect, while coaching builds confidence.
Why This Matters for Your Fleet
The trucking industry faces rising insurance costs, nuclear verdicts, and increasing compliance pressures. Without cameras, fleets risk:
- Costly litigation with little defense
- Damaged reputations for both company and drivers
- Missed opportunities to coach and retain safer drivers
By implementing the right system, you protect both your business and your drivers—while staying compliant and audit-ready.
Next Step: See How DQM Connect Works with Cameras
Cameras are powerful, but they’re even more effective when paired with a compliance system that keeps everything connected.
With DQM Connect, you get:
- Audit-ready driver files
- Automated risk tracking
- One dashboard for HR, Safety, and Operations
- Faster onboarding and lower turnover
👉 Schedule a Demo and see how your fleet can drive success with cameras and compliance working together.
Driving Success Webinars
Are You Meeting Requirements—or Just Checking a Box?
In our recent Driving Success webinar, we explored a hot topic shaking up the industry: trucking compliance technology. Specifically, we looked at how fleets are using automation and AI—and why it’s critical to understand the difference between the two.
Emily Buchanan and Leanne Hill shared real-world examples, practical advice, and lessons learned from conversations with fleets across the country.
AI vs. Automation: What’s the Difference?
Automation handles routine, rule-based tasks. Think: automated reminders for expiring documents or pre-filled forms. It’s consistent, fast, and simple.
AI, by contrast, uses data to detect patterns. It powers tools like in-cab driver monitoring and auto-summarizing email content. Both are forms of trucking compliance technology, but they solve different problems.
Knowing how to use each tool appropriately can make or break your audit readiness.
Where Fleets Run Into Trouble
One common pitfall is using AI tools for employment verifications. These tools can check massive databases quickly—but when they don’t return results, fleets assume they’ve “done their due diligence.”
The truth? FMCSA expects three meaningful attempts to verify past employment. Instant pings don’t count. This is a clear case where trucking compliance technology can mislead if not understood correctly.
You Still Need Human Oversight
AI is improving—but it’s not perfect. Systems miss license suspensions, overlook warning signs, or reject good candidates because of flawed logic.
No matter how advanced your software, human review is still required. Regulations (like Title 49) are clear: every driver file must be reviewed by a person. Trucking compliance technology should support your team, not replace it.
Smart Tools Backed by Smart People
Platforms like DQM Connect use automation to reduce paperwork, track expirations, and keep files organized. But the goal is never to eliminate human input—it’s to make it faster and more accurate.
That’s the difference between using trucking compliance technology effectively and relying on it blindly.
The Road Ahead
As tech evolves, the FMCSA may update its rules. But for now, the line between convenience and compliance must be respected.
Use AI to support decision-making—not make decisions for you. Use automation to save time—not to bypass regulatory steps. That’s how trucking compliance technology works best.
Final Thought
Trucking is changing fast. But the need for smart compliance isn’t going anywhere.
Want a solution that works with your team—not around it?
Schedule a demo and explore how DQM Connect blends automation and human oversight for safer, smoother operations.
Learn More About VLC
Driving Success Webinars
It’s Time for a Mid-Year Safety and Compliance Check
Now that the first half of 2025 is behind us, it’s the right moment for a mid-year safety and compliance check. While the pace of the industry rarely slows, stopping to evaluate your compliance process can prevent costly problems down the road.
With regulations evolving and driver shortages continuing, staying audit-ready and safe is more important than ever. Fortunately, with the right tools and strategy, you can fix common issues before they spiral into violations.
Let’s break down five compliance gaps you should address immediately.
1. Driver Qualification Files: A Core Part of Your Check
Your mid-year safety and compliance check should begin here. These files are often the first thing inspectors request. If they’re incomplete, outdated, or disorganized, your risk skyrockets.
Too many fleets still rely on spreadsheets or expect drivers to manage their own renewals. Unfortunately, that leads to overlooked expirations and missing documents.
Instead, take these steps:
- Automate renewal alerts for licenses and medical cards
- Use a centralized system like DQM Connect to track all driver files
- Set team-wide visibility to prevent miscommunication
By simplifying access and notifications, you reduce risk significantly.
2. Drug and Alcohol Testing: Don’t Make Assumptions
This area needs close attention during your mid-year safety and compliance check. Although many fleets believe their third-party administrator handles everything, that’s not always the case.
Surprises happen when no one verifies who’s generating randoms or whether return-to-duty processes are complete.
Here’s how to get on track:
- Confirm roles and responsibilities with your TPA
- Build workflows for each type of test (pre-employment, random, RTD)
- Integrate your testing data into your file management system
Clear processes now prevent scrambling later.
3. Vehicle Maintenance and DVIRs: A Hidden Risk Area
Inspections and maintenance logs deserve just as much focus. During your mid-year safety and compliance check, ask: Are drivers completing DVIRs correctly? Are repairs being tracked and addressed?
Often, issues stem from paper-based reporting or communication breakdowns. Drivers might report problems, yet never see them resolved. When that happens, participation drops.
To improve this:
- Use digital tools to simplify DVIR submissions
- Set automated alerts between drivers and maintenance teams
- Conduct regular internal audits of maintenance logs
When drivers see action, they stay engaged—and your fleet stays safer.
4. Behavioral Monitoring: Small Patterns Lead to Big Problems
Monitoring driver behavior is essential. However, many fleets only act after violations occur. That’s why your mid-year safety and compliance check should include a proactive review of driver trends.
Check for repeated harsh braking, speeding, or complaints. While these may seem minor, they often point to larger risks.
To strengthen this area:
- Use safety analytics to identify risky patterns early
- Assign follow-up training after minor incidents
- Track completion and progress for all training sessions
Proactive action reduces major accidents and long-term liability.
5. Document Readiness: Could You Survive an Audit Today?
If the DOT arrived tomorrow, would you be ready? As part of your mid-year safety and compliance check, you need to ensure your documents are centralized, complete, and accessible.
When files are stored in disconnected systems—or worse, buried in email threads—your team struggles to respond quickly.
Here’s what to change:
- Store all documents in one searchable, secure platform
- Develop a clear audit response workflow with assigned steps
- Keep your teams aligned on responsibilities and storage systems
With the right structure, audits become far less stressful.
Bonus: Medical Card Changes Are Coming—Are You Prepared?
This year’s mid-year safety and compliance check wouldn’t be complete without addressing the upcoming FMCSA medical card changes.
Starting June 23, CDL driver med cards go digital. Medical examiners will upload results directly to the national database within 24 hours. Because of that, you’ll need to run a new MVR to verify updated medical status.
Important reminders:
- Drivers should still request a paper copy as backup
- Only CDL-regulated drivers are affected by this change
- Not all states are compliant yet—check the FMCSA registry
Stay ahead by integrating your MVR provider with your driver file system and contacting your medical partners to confirm protocols.
Your Mid-Year Safety and Compliance Check Action Plan
To wrap things up, here are three quick wins you can act on today:
- ✅ Automate renewals and expiration alerts
- ✅ Confirm drug and alcohol testing responsibilities
- ✅ Assign and track DVIR maintenance follow-ups
Each of these steps helps reduce risk and improve visibility before Q3 begins.
DQM Connect Makes Compliance Easier
A solid mid-year safety and compliance check is the first step toward a stronger operation. But staying on top of safety doesn’t need to add stress.
DQM Connect automates file tracking, simplifies audits, and brings your safety, HR, and compliance teams into one streamlined system.
Schedule a Demo and make the second half of your year smoother, safer, and fully compliant.
Learn More About VLC
Driving Success Webinars
In the transportation industry, safety starts long before wheels hit the road. While drug and alcohol testing plays a central role in DOT compliance, it’s only effective when supervisors are trained to recognize warning signs. That’s why reasonable suspicion training is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s a vital layer of protection for your fleet, your drivers, and the public.
During May’s webinar, Tony Elwood, a nationally recognized drug recognition expert and former New York State Police investigator, joined forces with Evolution Consulting to break down how to approach impairment concerns with clarity and confidence.
What Is Reasonable Suspicion Training—and Why Does It Matter?
By DOT standards, companies must train at least one supervisor to identify and document signs of drug or alcohol use in the workplace. However, reasonable suspicion isn’t based on hearsay or intuition. Instead, it relies on specific, observable behaviors that suggest impairment.
Unlike random testing, reasonable suspicion testing is triggered by direct observation. When used properly, it not only safeguards the business—it can also save lives.
What Supervisors Should Be Looking For
Supervisors play a critical role in daily fleet operations. Beyond assigning loads or managing schedules, they’re responsible for observing each driver’s condition before they begin their shift. That includes appearance, behavior, and performance.
To be effective, they must know what’s “normal” for each driver. When something seems off, it may be a sign that action is needed.
Indicators include:
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Appearance: Disheveled clothing, poor hygiene, red or watery eyes, body odor, or unusual sweating
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Behavior: Confusion, paranoia, irritability, slurred speech, or loss of coordination
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Performance: Frequent tardiness, missed deadlines, customer complaints, or driving errors
Rather than guessing or making assumptions, supervisors must rely on their observations—and then document them properly.
Taking Action: What to Do When Impairment Is Suspected
Once signs of impairment are observed, supervisors should never wait to act. Instead, they must remove the driver from safety-sensitive duties and begin the reasonable suspicion process immediately.
Rather than confronting the driver in public, bring them into a private setting with another company representative—ideally from HR or another DER (Designated Employee Representative). During this conversation, remain calm and professional. Avoid accusations. Ask direct, neutral questions such as:
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“Did you sleep well last night?”
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“Have you taken any medications recently?”
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“Is anything going on that might be affecting your performance?”
While this dialogue helps supervisors understand what’s happening, it also gives drivers an opportunity to disclose personal or medical issues that may be affecting them.
Not All Impairment Is Substance-Related
One of the most valuable takeaways from Tony Elwood’s presentation was a surprising statistic: nearly half of the suspected impairment cases he has observed turned out to be undiagnosed or unmanaged medical issues, including diabetes.
For example, a diabetic driver with low blood sugar may appear intoxicated—slurred speech, sweating, and poor coordination are common symptoms. However, jumping to conclusions without asking the right questions could put the driver’s job at risk unnecessarily.
That’s why it’s essential to assess the full context before proceeding to testing.
What Happens If a Driver Tests Positive?
If drug or alcohol testing confirms impairment, the company must follow DOT protocol. Although termination may seem like the simplest option, it isn’t always the most effective—or compliant—response.
Drivers who test positive must:
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Be immediately removed from safety-sensitive duties
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Complete an evaluation with a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP)
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Participate in the Return-to-Duty process, including treatment, education, and follow-up testing
The full process can take up to 12 months. However, with consistent negative test results and SAP approval, many drivers are eligible to return after six months.
Supervisor Traps to Avoid
When dealing with possible impairment, emotions often run high. It’s easy to get caught up in sympathy or excuses, especially if the supervisor has a long-standing relationship with the driver. Unfortunately, this creates blind spots.
Some common traps to avoid:
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Letting the driver talk their way out of testing
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Delaying action to “see if things improve”
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Allowing personal relationships to interfere with policy
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Failing to document each step properly
Instead of reacting emotionally, supervisors should stay focused on the facts—and lean on company policy every step of the way.
Reinforcing Support, Not Punishment
Reasonable suspicion training isn’t about catching people doing something wrong. Instead, it’s about supporting a safe, compliant workplace. When approached with empathy and professionalism, supervisors can protect not just the company, but the driver’s dignity and future as well.
Tony Elwood made it clear: alcoholism and addiction are diseases. That means drivers need help—not judgment. With the right approach, many can return to work stronger, healthier, and more committed than ever.
Stay Audit-Ready and Confident with DQM Connect
While training prepares your team, the right tools help you maintain compliance every day. That’s where DQM Connect comes in. This driver qualification file management system ensures your supervisors stay certified, your documentation stays secure, and your company stays DOT-compliant.
Instead of juggling paper records or spreadsheets, manage everything in one digital hub. With DQM Connect, you can:
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Track training records, including reasonable suspicion certification
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Store driver documentation and observation checklists
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Receive automatic reminders for compliance deadlines
Even better, your entire team can access up-to-date records at a moment’s notice—so you’re always prepared for audits or investigations.
→ Take the 30-second challenge and see how DQM Connect transforms your compliance process.
Schedule a Demo
Train Your Team with Confidence Through Evolution Consulting
Of course, no system is complete without real-world training. That’s where Evolution Consulting comes in. Their team of seasoned experts offers nationwide reasonable suspicion training, providing hands-on instruction, real-case examples, and a two-page checklist that supervisors can use on the job.
In addition, they’re available to consult on challenging situations as they arise. Whether you’re onboarding new staff or responding to a positive test, Evolution is there with clarity and compliance in mind.
With Evolution, you gain more than training—you gain a trusted partner in safety and accountability.
Ready to empower your supervisors with the training they need? Contact Evolution Consulting today.
Visit Evolution Consulting or call the number on screen.
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Driving Success Webinars
How to Successfully Roll Out a Fleet Safety Program That Sticks
Rolling out a safety program for your fleet can be transformative—but only if it’s done right. Many fleets invest in top-tier telematics like dash cams and AI-powered tools, only to see minimal return. The problem? Poor planning and lack of team alignment.
In this edition of Driving Success, Zen‘s Ahed Afra walks us through a step-by-step process to create a safety program that delivers real, long-term impact.
Why Most Safety Programs Fall Short
Even with modern technology, programs often miss the mark. Common mistakes include:
- Rushing the rollout with little to no internal education
- Excluding drivers from early conversations
- Lacking a structured coaching plan
At the heart of these issues is a lack of trust. When drivers feel monitored instead of supported, engagement drops. The key to success is building transparency and fostering a shared safety culture from day one.
What a Successful Program Looks Like
To set your program up for success, focus on three things:
- A strong framework involving both drivers and managers
- Clear progress tracking
- Measurable outcomes tied to business goals
The process isn’t instant—it’s built on consistent communication, accountability, and adaptation.
How Telematics Supports Fleet Safety Program Implementation
While technology alone won’t solve your safety challenges, it’s essential for insights. Telematics systems provide visibility into unsafe driving behaviors like speeding or harsh braking, allowing for data-driven coaching.
With the global telematics market expected to triple by 2034, these tools are quickly becoming standard across the industry.
A 4-Step Blueprint for Fleet Safety Program Implementation
Ahed Afra shared a practical approach to fleet safety program implementation that avoids common pitfalls and builds long-term momentum.
1. Design Your Program
Set clear, measurable goals such as reducing collisions or lowering insurance claims. Focus on a few high-impact behaviors to start.
2. Communicate Early and Often
Clarify roles, responsibilities, and expectations before rollout. Make it a collaborative effort and address driver concerns head-on.
3. Roll Out Technology in Phases
Start with core features like basic event detection and gradually add more as your team gains confidence and familiarity.
4. Coach and Evolve
Use performance data to offer consistent, tailored coaching. Recognize safe driving habits and refine your approach regularly.
Proving ROI
Once your program is running, track performance in key areas:
- Fewer incidents or violations
- Reduced insurance claims
- Maintenance improvements tied to safer driving
- Lower driver turnover due to increased engagement
Measuring these outcomes helps make a strong case for continued investment and shows the program’s true value.
What’s Next in Fleet Safety
Zen is currently working on innovations like AI-powered dash cams that offer personalized, in-the-moment feedback to drivers—before issues escalate. The goal is to make real-time coaching both automatic and empowering.
Helpful Resources
To support your rollout, check out these editable safety policy templates:
Want more insights? Visit our DQM Connect Webinar Library or explore upcoming topics to stay ahead of the curve.
This future-forward approach brings even more efficiency to fleet safety program implementation, while strengthening the driver-manager relationship.
Final Thoughts
A strategic, well-paced fleet safety program implementation can reduce risks, improve driver morale, and protect your bottom line. With the right tools and team mindset, building a safer, smarter fleet is within reach.
Get registered for the next Driving Success webinar now!
Learn More about VLC
