The Town of Front Royal continues to grow in population, with more than 15,000 residents, while maintaining a small-town feel. To protect employees, citizens, and property, the town requested VRSA Risk Management Grant funds to use in purchasing Quad Cams to be installed on refuse trucks.
“Back in 2022, the seventh deadliest job in the US was the solid waste departments,” said Solid Waste Supervisor Eric Jorgenson. “When I first saw that there were camera systems for large vehicles, I thought it would be a safe way we can spot check to make sure everyone is safe on the truck.”
With grant funds, the town purchased five Samsara camera systems, which monitor the front, back, and sides of the vehicle, as well as inside the cab. The cameras are also equipped with AI technology to spot drowsiness, inattentive driving, mobile usage, lane departure, and more. While some staff were initially reluctant, they are now on board.
“They realize how much information they provide and that it’s for their safety,” said Jorgenson. “If something happens and you are doing what you’re supposed to do, we have proof you weren’t on your phone, it protects them, too.”
The cameras have already prevented at least one incident.
“We had an incident recently where a motorcycle was just zooming [by], and thankfully they were able to see it from the side cam and averted a catastrophe,” said Risk and Safety Coordinator Jose Rivera.
Learn more about the system in the video below.