Winter driving makes rear-camera visibility harder to maintain. Wet roads, spray and dirt quickly reduce image quality on trucks, vans and buses – exactly when drivers need a clear view.
The problem is not just rain. It’s airflow.
The Rear Vortex Problem
When a truck, van or bus travels at speed, a low-pressure vortex forms behind the vehicle. In wet winter conditions, this airflow pulls dirty water, road spray and grime onto the rear of the vehicle.
A rear-mounted camera sits directly in this airflow. As a result:
- The lens becomes dirty very quickly
- The image is obscured
- Drivers lose rear visibility when reversing
This often happens at the worst possible moments – in yards, depots, or busy urban environments.
How a Shutter Camera Solves It
A shutter camera is designed to protect the lens when the vehicle is moving forward.
While driving
- The shutter remains closed
- The lens stays cleaner and drier
- Dirt and spray are prevented from reaching the camera
When reverse gear is selected
- The shutter opens instantly
- The lens is clean
- A clear, usable image is available immediately
This delivers consistent rear visibility, even after long journeys in wet and dirty conditions.
Clear Benefits for Commercial Road Vehicles
For truck, van and bus operators, shutter cameras offer practical advantages:
- Reliable rear-camera performance in winter
- Less need for manual lens cleaning
- Safer reversing in depots, yards and on-street locations
- Greater driver confidence and reduced risk of incidents
What About Mobile Plant?
Mobile plant typically operates at lower speeds and does not create the same rear-vortex effect. Lens contamination is usually less severe.
However, shutter cameras can still add value by:
- Keeping the lens cleaner for longer in heavy rain
- Protecting the camera from mud and spray
- Improving reliability in harsh working environments
If winter conditions are affecting rear-camera performance on your vehicles, a shutter camera could make a real difference.
View Brigade’s shutter camera range to see how it delivers cleaner images, improved reliability and safer reversing in wet and dirty conditions. If you’d like advice on the right solution for your fleet, our team is ready to help.
This was originally published by Brigade Electronics.
