We’ve all seen dash cam footage from a police cruiser capturing the bad guys with full video evidence at their disposal. But with the lowered cost of technology these days, many citizens are now finding themselves able afford a dash cam of their own.
But who can really benefit from one of these devices? Are dash cams just for recording accidents and road trips? Or can they be used by regular citizens as a preventative measure for things like driver safety and crime?
The fact is, people are buying dash cams for anything from making home made movies to observing how their teenagers handle the road when they are driving on their own.
If you’re not sure a dash cam will be of use to you, ask yourself questions like these:
- Have you ever been in a situation where someone lied about fault in an accident?
- Do you think you could become a target of someone purposely creating an accident to start an insurance claim?
- Have you ever experienced someone getting out of there car in a road rage? We’re they angry at you?
- Do you worry about young drivers in your vehicle?
- Do you worry about employees in your vehicle/s?
- Would you like a chance to critique their driving performance?
- Would you like to protect yourself and other drivers of your vehicle against fraud?
- Would you like to record a beautiful scenic road trip?
If you answered yes to any of these, you will definitely benefit from the use of your dash cam.
So What are Dash Cams?
Dash cams are often used synonymously in place of “car cameras”, or “windshield cameras”. They are small cameras that record the road and surroundings while driving. Some also record outside the sides or rear of your vehicle as well.
A windshield camera mounts from a higher perspective than a dash mounted cam, and is usually mounted to the rear-view mirror so that it doesn’t obstruct the view of the driver. However, they are also sometimes attached the the windshield at the top left or right hand side.
Dash cams, (the more popular choice) usually have some sort of mounting device that enables them to stick directly to your dash board. These offer a lower vantage point along with easier installation. They are generally battery powered, but some can be used while plugged into the vehicles cigarette receptacle.
Part of what makes them more popular is that they are easily detached from their mounts and can be used as a camcorder as well. This feature can be very handy for times right after a recorded accident as it helps to get any statements from both witnesses and the other driver on record.
Who uses Dash Cams?
Almost anyone can benefit from the use of a dash cam, including professionals like:
- Driving instructors.
- Flight instructors.
- Police, Fire, and Ambulance Workers.
- School Bus Drivers
- Professional Truck Drivers.
- Carpoolers
- Taxi Drivers
- Teachers
- Bounty Hunters,
- Private Detectives
- Tow Truck Drivers
- Delivery Drivers
- and more…
Of course these are just some of the business uses for dash cams. Private citizens can also benefit from their use.
The Benefits of Dash Cams
Wondering how you will benefit from the use of a dash camera? Below you will find just some of the benefits that most people miss.
- They protect you, your family and anyone who drives your vehicle
- They aid in fleet management by reducing fleet costs and improving driver safety and responsibility.
- The protect no claims bonuses with insurance companies and can often be used for a discount in premium payments
- They allow you to record the events surrounding your vehicle on video
- Dash cams can record scenic driving, camping trips, and other road excursions
- Dash cams can be used to capturing thrilling video by being transferred to bikes, helmets, or even parachutes!
- Dash cams record traffic violations, and accidents
- They can be used as wireless surveillance cameras for security purposes
- They allow you to assess driving technique of vehicle users
- Dash Cams are proven to increase driver efficacy
- They function as a great driver training tool
- They also stop inaccurate judgemental driving complaints
- They help secure your possession and may even help keep an eye on the driveway of your home or business
- You can use the G-Sensor analysis on higher end models to improve your eco-driving skills
- Without a Dash Cam it is virtually impossible to prove the other driver was 100% at fault
- Dash cams reduce claim settlement times
- They can be removed from the vehicle and often used for other uses
- You can use the same unit in more than one vehicle
- SD Memory cards can hold days of video footage
- Dash cams can often be powered from a car’s lighter accessory socket
- They are very easy to install.
<b>So what should you look for in a dash cam?</b>
Some dash cameras record in segments such as 2,5,or 15 minute segments. The cameras will often not record while saving, causing you to miss some action. You want to avoid delay times in footage as much as possible.
Some questions you will want to ask before buying a dash cam are:
- Is it HD?
- Does it have GPS?
- Is the dash cam equipped with G sensors?
- Does it have Wide Angle Lenses?
- Does it use an easy to use software interface? (very important)
- Does it offer 360 Degree rotation?
- Does it record and charge at the same time?
- Does it display the video live on an lec screen whiles driving?
- Does the dash camera record to a removable SD Card or internal memory?
- When full, does the dash cam re record over old footage in a loop?
- What Accessories does it have? These may include things like remote controls, mounts, laynards and more.
The best thing to do is figure out what the Dash Camera’s “Primary Use” will be. Then once this problem is solved effectively, look at other options and extras that will help you with other uses. There is no sense getting a dash cam to record accidents, if you are going to also lend it out to someone for their mountain bike so to speak.