Even though we anticipate a safe and uneventful journey when commuting, it is unfortunately not always the case. Car accidents occur every day and they’re often out of our control.
Given these circumstances, equipping your vehicle with a dash cam can be a game changer. Dash cams are exactly what they sound like: small cameras that mount on your car’s dashboard, windscreen, or rear-view mirror and capture video footage while you drive. They’re a great vehicle safety modification for numerous reasons, which we’ll outline below.
Dash Cams Provide Evidence in Car Accident Cases
One of the most significant advantages of having a dash cam is that it provides visual evidence in the event of an auto accident. The footage recorded by your dash cam can be passed on to a personal injury attorney and furnish concrete evidence of the events leading up to the accident. The law firm of Hastings & Hastings believes this can be especially beneficial for determining liability and assisting in insurance claims or other legal proceedings. Moreover, dash cam footage is highly advantageous in cases where a potentially at-fault party disputes your account of the events, since it provides a definitive record of the car accident.
Probably the type of collision where dash cams shine the most are hit-and-runs. If someone hits your car and then takes off, you’ll have a higher chance of being able to capture vital information like their license plate or vehicle model.
Video Records Prevent Fraudulent Accident Claims
Fraudulent claims happen all the time. Car insurance policyholders may falsely claim to have been in an accident in order to unjustly collect their benefit proceeds. An even worse scenario is a dishonest driver intentionally causing an accident to collect insurance money.
The footage captured by your dash cam can provide evidence that the accident never happened, or that it happened differently than another driver claims.
The Presence of a Camera Deters Criminal Activity
In addition to fraudulent behavior, the mere presence of a dash cam on your vehicle is proven to disincentivize thieves and other criminals. Sixty percent of burglars will chose another target upon detecting a camera or alarm system. Even if they do decide to proceed with criminal activity, the dash cam footage provides valuable evidence that can help law enforcement identify and catch would-be perpetrators.
Ownership Provides Peace of Mind
Considering these incentives, it becomes clear that a dash cam provides drivers with peace of mind while on the road. The knowledge that your dash cam is recording can alleviate concerns about liability in case of an accident or legal dispute.
On a brighter note, they are also useful in non-threatening situations. For instance, you may capture footage of a beautiful sunset while driving on a scenic route, or record a funny moment while road-tripping with friends or family. These recordings are low effort and make great memories to look back on and share with others.
Finding a Dash Cam That Suites Your Needs
There’s no doubt that having a dash cam in your vehicle is an excellent investment. It provides peace of mind by capturing concrete evidence in case of accidents, fraudulent claims, and criminal activity.
If you’re considering purchasing a dash cam, be sure to do your research to find the one that best suits your needs and budget. There’s nothing worse than having your grainy video disputed in court. Ideally, the best dash cams have high-quality video resolution, a wide-angle lens, and a good storage capacity. If you find your car vulnerable at night, consider night vision as an additional feature.
With a quality dash cam in your vehicle you can hit the road with confidence, knowing an extra layer of protection is on your side.