Today, there are cameras everywhere. You cannot go anywhere without being under some type of surveillance, and most people have access to both cameras and video in seconds with the push of a button on their smartphone. With so many cameras already available, why would you even consider putting yet another one inside your car? In the opinion of many, the real question is “Why not?” Dashboard cameras have been used in law enforcement vehicles for decades and are now affordable and accessible for the everyday Joe. If police officers consider them indispensable, should you? Continue reading to learn more about dashboard cameras as well as our top 3 reasons for considering one for your own vehicle.
What is a Dashboard Camera
Modern dashboard cameras – also known as digital drive recorders – are still relatively new in the U.S. market. They have only recently gained popularity for civilian drivers, thanks in part to late-night reality TV shows that play unbelievable footage from dashboard videos. The camera attaches to the dash or the inside of the windshield and receives power through the vehicle’s 12-volt electrical system. From its place inside the car, the camera records everything in its sight on a loop. As the files become full, the earliest ones are deleted unless the driver chooses to ‘protect’ a particular file for later viewing.
Benefits of a Dashboard Camera
There are many reasons why you might consider purchasing a dashboard camera. Some may be purely entertainment purposes, but most are reasons that could provide legal or financial benefits in the future.
1. Record the Details of a Car Accident
No one expects to be involved in a collision. If you are, and the particulars of the accident are questionable to law enforcement, it helps to have a witness present. But what if no one was around to see what happened? It’s your word against the word of the person who hit you – unless you have a dashboard camera. Dash cameras can prove you didn’t run a traffic light and could also show that someone pulled out in front of your vehicle leaving you no time to stop. It might also save you from an expensive insurance claim or even an accusation of liability.
2. Prove Your Innocence after a Traffic Citation
Imagine being cited for something you didn’t do and having to pay the ticket anyway. Not only are you out-of-pocket the expenses, but you could also face insurance penalties as a result of the ding on your driving record. Though dash cams cannot protect you in every scenario, there are some that the footage could prove your innocence in. Whether it’s proving you came to a complete stop before turning right at a red light or using the audio feature to prove you were not talking on a cell phone before getting pulled over, the footage just might save you if you contest a ticket in court.
3. Monitor an Inexperienced Driver’s Behavior
It can be intimidating to let your teenager get behind the wheel of a vehicle for the first time. It’s also expensive. Car insurance rates often go through the roof when a new driver gets a license. Before you take that leap, let us shop around for quality coverage at an affordable rate. Then, consider investing in a dashboard camera – preferably one with a two-way recording option.
Knowing they are being recorded might make some teenagers drive safer. It can also give you peace of mind knowing that they are following your rules and that you can check in on them anytime. Furthermore, the two-way recording option allows you to see their response to the road ahead of them, as well as their distracted driving behavior behind the wheel.
