Investing in Dash Cams: What You Should Know
In accident cases, video footage can give the court definitive answers. Even if a dash cam fails to capture the exact moment of a crash, it provides context. Safe drivers can use dash cams to protect their rights during the insurance claims process and in lawsuits. In some cases, this footage also can protect drivers from scam artists who intentionally cause accidents.
How Dash Cams Work
Drivers typically mount dash cams to their dash boards, the windshield, or a rearview mirror. These video recorders typically turn on automatically when a driver starts the ignition, and do not record footage for parked vehicles. Depending on the model (or smartphone app), most cameras record on a loop. A 32GB SD card will capture almost five hours of data before the camera starts recording over the oldest data. Some smartphone applications may allow you to sync the data to the cloud rather than internally storing footage.
In addition to basic recording functionality, some dash cams feature GPS, sensors that trigger an automatic save on impact, improved field of view lenses, and front/rear facing cameras. A dash cam can’t prevent an accident, but it could serve as your best friend in the event of one.
Why Install a Dash Cam?
A dash cam gives your word weight in legal settings. Many car accidents come down to “he said/she said” arguments, and recorded footage does not hold a bias. Recordings can provide information about traffic prior to the accident, average speeds, weather conditions, risk factors, and more. The details will support the driver’s claim, and may improve the outcome of an insurance claim process.
Being able to have accident evidence is just one benefit of having a dash cam. You may also consider installing one of these devices to:
Protect yourself from traffic citations. Footage from a dash cam will definitively show if you were or were not speeding, running red lights, etc. A police officer may use it to avoid giving you a ticket, or you can take the footage to court.
Discourage negative behaviors. Like a security camera for a home, a dash cam will discourage crimes of convenience, acts of violence, and other negative behaviors.
Encourage safe driving. Install a dash cam to incentivize yourself and family members to drive safe. A dash cam can incriminate you just as easily as it can set you free, so make sure you’re practicing safe driving habits when the camera is rolling – and at all times.
Consider These Top-Rated Dash Cams
If you’re considering dash cams to protect yourself in the city or rural areas, consider these highly rated makes and models originally posted on SafeWise (a security comparison company):
- Black Box G1W. This HD device features night vision, a wide-angle lens with zoom, and auto recording settings. This is one of the lowest cost devices on the list, and offers cost-effective value.
- Blackcam BCH-1000 Hybrid. This camera is more expensive than the Black Box G1W, but the Blackcam offers touch screen capabilities, high-resolution LCD, GPS, one-touch recording and image capture, and high-quality microphone recording.
- Black Box Mobius Pro Mini Action Camera. Here is another cost-effective solution. This camera is a multi-tool that can serve as a dash cam and a sports recorder. The camera features include time-lapse recording, still-image capture, low-light recording, and battery operation.
- The KDLINKS X1. This dash cam is a mid-priced recorder. It offers drivers GPS, sensor-based recording, a high-quality night mode, and a wide-angle lens.
- The FalconZero F170HD+. This adjustable camera allows drivers to capture multiple angles on-the-go and while stopped. The recorder offers numerous features at an affordable price, including a built-in display screen for immediate playback, GPS, and auto record capabilities.
Consider installing an app on your smartphone as an interim solution or a test (just don’t adjust the app while driving!). The Nexar Dashcam App, AutoBoy Dash Cam on Google Play, and the DashCam app on iTunes all will record your information as long as you supply the smart device and windshield or dashboard mount.