Dashcams have become increasingly common in the cars of everyday drivers, whether they’re behind the wheel of a Ford or a Kia. This surge in popularity can be attributed to a range of factors, including:”
Moreover, there are choices regarding how and when the dashcam records. All dashcams initiate continuous loop recording once they’re turned on, and nearly all include impact detection that triggers recording when an impact is detected. Since the cause of the impact might no longer be present when recording starts, high-end dashcams often offer impact detection with buffered recording, preserving a few seconds of footage before and after the impact.
For those willing to invest a bit more, premium dashcams may provide a parking mode with motion sensors that continue recording even when the vehicle is turned off. Additionally, pricier dashcams come equipped with GPS sensors to track data like time, speed, and location.
For those who are inseparable from their smartphones, many dashcams offer the convenience of direct smartphone connectivity through a mobile app. This feature enables you to easily playback videos, download footage, adjust the camera’s settings, and perform various other functions directly from your smartphone.
The Benefits
While it’s tempting to view a dashcam as your backup plan for those parking lot incidents, the advantages of owning one extend beyond just that. In fact, having a dashcam can lead to several cost-saving benefits that you might not be aware of.
Insurance
While it’s unfortunate that insurance companies in many countries don’t typically offer a specific discount for dashboard cameras, having one can still provide indirect benefits that help you save on your insurance premium. In situations where fault in an accident is unclear or disputed, having video footage can provide clear evidence of what happened. This can help expedite your insurance claim and prevent contradictory statements, ultimately making the claims process smoother and potentially preventing rate hikes due to accidents.
First-Hand Evidence
One of the primary reasons millions of drivers, particularly in other countries, choose to use dashcams is to have firsthand evidence of road incidents. As mentioned earlier, people may provide false information, or fault may not be immediately clear in accidents. Having video footage of road incidents, whether they occur on the road, in a parking lot, or even in your driveway, can be invaluable for establishing fault and holding the responsible party accountable.
Additionally, dashcam footage can serve as evidence to contest a traffic or parking violation. While the admissibility of such evidence may vary depending on state laws, having dashcam video can certainly bolster your case.
For drivers who are worried about racial profiling, a dashcam can serve as a deterrent against unjustified police stops or unfair treatment.
Moreover, you might be able to assist a stranger by providing dashcam footage to the police if you witness an incident involving other drivers. For instance, if a minor accident occurs in front of you and the at-fault driver flees the scene, your camera may have captured their license plate. You can also use dashcam footage to report a drunk or reckless driver, potentially preventing them from causing harm on the road.
Lastly, dashcam footage can serve as crucial evidence in the event of a road rage incident. If another driver engages in road rage, your footage might capture their license plate or identifiable features, which could aid in holding them accountable and ensuring justice is served.
Encourages Safer Driving
Just like children tend to behave better when they know their parents are watching, adults are no different. Similar to how athletes review videos of themselves to improve their performance, you can review video footage of your driving to become a better driver. Does your spouse often complain that you change lanes without signaling? Check your dashcam footage to see if it’s true.
Becoming a better driver doesn’t just make you safer on the road; it may also come with insurance benefits. Drivers with better safety records often receive premium discounts from their insurance companies.
Speaking of children, most parents dread the day their child starts driving, and drivers under the age of 25 typically have higher insurance rates than older drivers because they tend to drive recklessly and have more accidents. If your child knows that you can review video footage of their every drive, they may be more inclined to drive safely and follow the law. This is where a two-way dashcam may come in handy. It not only records what happens outside the windshield but also captures what’s going on inside the car, hopefully discouraging bad habits like texting and driving.
Additional Benefits
Dashcams offer more advantages than meet the eye. In 2020 and 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people loaded up their cars and embarked on epic road trips when they couldn’t fly to their preferred vacation destinations. High-quality dashcam footage can be used to create a timeless record of those road trip memories.
Some dashcams can also help monitor your car when you’re not around, which can be particularly helpful in sketchy parking garages or similar situations.
Lastly, if your dashcam has GPS functionality and you’re involved in an accident, it may help emergency services locate you quickly.
Disadvantages
Although there aren’t many disadvantages to investing in a dashcam, you should consider a few. First, as previously mentioned, owning one won’t lower your insurance premium. Additionally, a dashcam may make you a target for theft, although this is unlikely. If you’re concerned about theft, you might want to invest in a higher-end camera with a sleeker, smaller design, making it less likely to attract attention.
Dashcam video may be used as evidence if you’re involved in a crash. While you may believe you’re not at fault, the video could potentially prove otherwise. However, it’s important to note that even if the footage proves your innocence, it’s not guaranteed to be admissible in court should you end up in a legal situation.
Cost Comparison
Once you’ve decided to invest in a dashcam, you’ll need to consider your budget and the features you want. There are several factors to take into account, including screen quality, video resolution, storage capacity, data transfer methods (Wi-Fi or smartphone compatibility), viewing angles, additional features, mounting options, and brand reputation. In general, the most crucial features are video quality and storage capacity.
Dashcam prices can vary significantly, ranging from under $100 to several hundred dollars. Dashcams in the $200 price range typically offer high-end features like 4K resolution, parked-car monitoring, and GPS tracking.
Post time: Oct-07-2023