At ATS, we believe that setting expectations clearly from the start is key to your long-term success as a professional driver.
One of the tools we use to support our drivers and promote safe, consistent habits is the Lytx camera system. We understand this technology can seem confusing, and even frustrating, if you’re not familiar with how it works.
If you’re a new driver with ATS or you’ve leased your truck on with us to haul our freight, the last thing we want is for you to feel blindsided by the technology and regretful of your decision to drive with us.
That’s why we’ve put together this article, which will explain exactly what Lytx is, how ATS uses it, and what you can expect from day one.
The Lytx® Driver Safety Suite is a camera-based safety system that both drivers and trucking companies use to monitor driving habits and improve performance.
The Lytx camera is installed in ATS trucks. It utilizes built-in artificial intelligence and machine vision to monitor the road and interpret visual data like:
More importantly, it’s not just collecting data — it’s looking for patterns in driving behavior. ATS looks for patterns to improve drivers’ behavior.
It’s important to note that ATS does not utilize the inward-facing camera (also called the driver-facing camera). Only the outward-facing camera is used, so drivers never have to worry about their privacy within the cab being called into question.
Let’s be clear: the Lytx system is not about “catching” drivers and firing them.
It’s about helping drivers grow into safe, reliable professionals. ATS is committed to long-term company driver careers and long-term business relationships with independent contractors. One mistake on the road can lead to the loss of life and other serious consequences.
This system allows us to reduce the risk of crashes. The system can help to protect you, your livelihood, and everyone on the road.
We support you until it becomes clear that you’re not willing to support safety in return. At that point, we’ll work together to find the best next step, even if that means parting ways. But our intention from day one is that we want you to be successful here.
Because the Lytx system is constantly collecting data, it begins to recognize patterns. If it recognizes consistent problematic safety behaviors, it will create a video event.
The system’s algorithm filters events based on risk level and frequency to avoid overwhelming drivers with unnecessary feedback. The system’s goal is to provide a representative sample of your driving behavior. So if you follow too closely for 10 minutes straight, it won’t send 100 alerts. It might just create one or two videos.
Here’s the difference between a triggered event and a coachable event:
If a driver’s risky behavior continues, they may get more frequent coachable events. If it was a one-off event, it may not be flagged at all.
Looking at this in practice, imagine that a driver is consistently speeding. The camera tracks the speed the driver is moving and it’s balanced against a constantly-maintained database of speed limits on the nation’s roads. If the driver’s vehicle speed is more than 10 miles per hour (mph) over the posted speed limit, that driver will get a triggered event. If that driver is consistently 10 mph over the speed limit, they’ll get more than a few triggered events during the day.
The frequency of the triggered events determines whether the driver gets a coachable event. So, if that driver only goes over the speed limit once or twice during the day, they’re not going to end up triggering a coachable event.
The Lytx system monitors a large array of events, but every carrier uses the system differently.
Here are some of the key behaviors ATS chooses to have the Lytx system monitor:
We hear drivers complain about this because vehicles pull in front of them so often. In this situation, if a car suddenly pulls in front of you, you won’t be penalized for a following distance violation as long as that vehicle is going faster than you and pulls away; no event is triggered.
You may also hear voice alerts like “make a complete stop” or get beeps related to speed or following too closely. But remember: Alerts don’t automatically mean coaching. The system looks for consistent habits before escalating to a coachable event.
Each coachable event ATS acts on is assigned a point value:
These points are tracked over a rolling 30-day window and evaluated every week. So, for example, if you earned 20 points 23 days ago, those will drop off in a week. This lets us track trends in driving behaviors to determine whether drivers are improving or slipping.
Only the specific events ATS has chosen to coach on count toward your score. Keep in mind that if you have any points, you’ve also had a conversation with your driver manager about them. These points should never come as a surprise.
ATS has a tiered coaching system.
The number of points you have will correlate to safety discussions and coaching sessions, including things like driver simulator training for specific habits like following distance, learning modules tailored to your driving patterns, or personalized improvement plans.
ATS also offers Safety Driven University (SDU), with a dedicated staff member and coaching resources. The safety team is available any time you need to talk or get clarity.
Our goal is not punishment, it's progress. This structure is meant to help you improve safely and confidently. You’re never alone in this process. ATS offers several tools and support options to help you succeed.
We know the Lytx system might be new to you. And even if you’ve been exposed to the system before, you may not have used it the way ATS does. That’s why new ATS drivers receive a 60-day grace period where ATS won’t hold points against you. You’ll have time to:
This system is explained to every new driver during day one of orientation, again in week one of SDU, and ongoing throughout your grace period.
In the first few weeks, we typically see points go up as new drivers learn. But by day 60, most drivers are sitting well below the point value they need to be at. In fact, 92 percent of all ATS drivers currently are. This shows that the system is having a positive impact on the fleet and works as intended.
We hope this helps you feel confident about what to expect with the Lytx system. If you're committed to safe, professional driving — and open to feedback — you’ll have everything you need to succeed with ATS.
If you have questions or want more resources, reach out to your recruiter, your driver manager, or the ATS safety department. We’re here for you.
In the meantime, be sure to check out our YouTube channel, Over the Road, where we cover safety tips and other tricks to make you successful on the road.