Should I Use a Dashboard Camera?

Dashboard cameras or ‘dash-cams’ have become more popular over recent years. If you haven’t already got one, should you get one? And if so, what type should you opt for?

Firstly, many good drivers are unsure of why they might need a dashboard camera. If you haven’t been involved in an accident, and are a safe driver, you may question whether the device would be useful, or if it is worth the financial outlay.

However, regardless of how safe your driving is, there is always the possibility that another driver could cause an accident which may involve your vehicle, and it is in this case that it would be useful to have a dash-cam, in order to prove your innocence.

An example of a time when a dash-cam could come in handy, would be in an accident at a roundabout. Without video evidence, it is notoriously difficult to prove who is at fault in an accident on a roundabout. However, a dash-cam may provide you with the evidence you need to ensure that the guilty party is held to account.

It is often difficult to recall the exact details of how an accident occurred, as it can be an extremely stressful situation. In order to show that you were not at fault in a road traffic accident, you will often be required to provide a great deal of detail about the time, location, and specific details of how the accident took place. Dashcams can provide an effective solution to this problem.

If you are using a dashcam, it is, however, important to bear in mind that it must not block your view of the road, as this is against the law. The other restriction on dashboard cameras is that they must not intrude upon another person’s privacy, which should not be the case on roads, as they are places where people generally do not expect to have privacy. You should, however, inform your passangers if the camera has sound and may record them.

In summary, getting a dashboard camera might seem fruitless if you are a good, experienced driver. However, you can never predict the actions of another driver, so even knowledgeable and experienced drivers could benefit from the peace of mind of a dashboard camera.

Share this article