All Qbuzz buses in Drenthe and Groningen are equipped with a dashcam to record any accidents. The cameras are mounted as a precaution.

According to the bus company, drivers regularly suffer from reckless cyclists. “Especially in Groningen and other large places it often happens that, for example, a cyclist suddenly crosses,” Erik Huisman of Qbuzz told RTV Noord. If there is a collision, we can use the images to relieve the driver if he says he was completely surprised by the cyclist who had an accident. ”

According to Huisman, the risk of accidents is increasing, "because more and more electric buses are driving that other road users do not hear coming, and because cyclists are often busy with everything and are not paying attention."

Because these kinds of situations are now being recorded, the carrier hopes to relieve bus drivers. "This way we can prove that the driver tried everything to avoid an accident."

The use of a dashcam is prohibited in some European countries, but not in the Netherlands. Publication of the images may be prohibited if individuals are identifiable. The images made by the dash cams cannot be seen on the bus, and may only be viewed by two people within the company. "We also don't just give the images to the police," says Huisman. That is only possible if the police claim them. Ultimately, the judge determines whether the images may be used as evidence for a criminal or insurance issue.

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