The issue of road safety is more relevant than ever in Ireland. In 2024, there were 174 road fatalities, and the transportation sector was one of those with the highest number of work-related deaths, with RSA research showing HGVs were involved in 11% of all fatal collisions between 2019 and 2023.
In fact, according to a study conducted by Geotab, 95% of professional drivers in Ireland believe that the likelihood of having an accident has increased in the last five years. On top of this, we must add the impact of fraudulent claims – more than half of which are linked to automobiles.
In this context, more and more fleets are turning to onboard cameras, known as dashcams, as a tool to reinforce road safety, streamline claims management, and protect both drivers and fleets. While in other countries dashcams are already commonplace – 30% of U.S. drivers use them – in Ireland their adoption is starting to gain momentum. That is why Geotab, a global leader in connected vehicle and asset management solutions, has compiled the key aspects of their use in Ireland.
Legality in Ireland: requirements
To ensure that vehicle sensors capture different risk situations on the road – from sudden manoeuvres to collisions – cameras must operate with systems that store only images relevant for legitimate purposes. Ireland’s Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) establishes that accident footage may justifiably be retained longer (e.g., for insurance or legal reasons), but routine footage should be deleted regularly.
The solution lies in an event-based recording model, storing short-duration segments that are automatically overwritten. For example, when the system or built-in G-force sensor detects an incident – such as an impact, sudden braking, or a risky manoeuvre – the corresponding file is protected and not deleted.
This way, only the critical information of an accident or hazardous situation is retained, while the rest of the trip is not stored, helping ensure both the usefulness of the images and compliance with privacy and data protection regulations.
To promote transparency, best practices is for fleet operators to inform their employees about the existence of the recording system through visible signage, identifying the data controller and the rights of those affected, and maintaining up to date compilation of evidence, use cases, retention periods, privacy statements, privacy & security assessments and other documentation. In addition, the camera must be securely installed and must not block the driver’s view or obstruct the vehicle’s windows.
Privacy and third parties
Fleet managers, in their role as data controllers (i.e., those who decide why and how the data is processed), have full control over the management of recorded videos: they can delete them at any time, schedule automatic deletion, or retain them for a period if there is a legal justification. Data should not be shared with any third parties unless required in accordance with the law.
Uses of dashcams
New-generation dashcams have evolved beyond their initial function of only recording incidents to enable faster and less costly accident management. Thanks to the integration of artificial intelligence and advanced driver assistance systems, they can now detect distractions, signs of fatigue, or misuse of mobile phones, issuing immediate alerts to drivers to correct risky behaviours. They can also provide forward collision and lane departure warnings, helping prevent accidents before they occur. Additionally, the analysis of this data can enable more effective training programs, as it helps identify unsafe driving patterns and strengthen road safety proactively.
Data cybersecurity
Managing the data generated by onboard cameras requires applying cybersecurity protocols that guarantee confidentiality and prevent unauthorized access. Common measures include encrypting information both in transit and at rest, using digitally verified software updates, and implementing role-based access controls to limit who can review the records. This can be complemented by regular security audits and compliance with recognised international certifications such as ISO 27001 or SOC
2. All of this helps ensure that the information collected by dashcams is used securely, protecting both drivers and fleets.
“Dashcams are already a key tool in Europe and are beginning to gain traction in Ireland. They can be an important tool for road safety, as they can help prevent incidents by detecting distractions, fatigue, or risky driving behaviours. Should an accident occur, they can also help exonerate the driver or provide more context to the situation,” says Phil Barnes, Business Development Manager for Geotab Ireland. “Their adoption must always go hand in hand with privacy compliance and data protection regulations, ensuring that drivers’ privacy is fully safeguarded”.