Dash cameras have since become one of the hottest commodities in today’s automotive scene, mainly because of the peace of mind they bring to the table. Sold in various sizes, colours, shapes and designs, they can be mounted to a vehicle’s windshield, rear window or externally on top of the registration plate (stealth style) to provide holistic on-board surveillance—keeping an eye on and recording driving incidents.
Depending on their built-in capabilities and power source setup, single or dual-channel dash cams can deliver undeniable evidence for insurance purposes, protect you from fraudsters and even catch parking hit-and-run wrongdoers in the act, whenever needed. With that in mind, these extra eyes on the road and dependable companions help create confident yet responsible drivers by delivering necessary warnings and alerts to avoid getting apprehended for violating the rules of the road, too.
As they automatically turn on and record footage as soon as the engine starts—provided they’re also equipped with the right built-in functions and add-ons—one can only wonder how these compact vigilant devices’ safety features fare in terms of generating better drivers on the road.
Here’s a quick rundown of three of the most on-demand dash cam features and specifications that can help drivers stay on the right track:
1. Advanced Driver Alert System (ADAS)
A recent in-depth analysis revealed that speeding, alcohol consumption, driver fatigue and inattention, while on the road, emerged as the top four causes of car accidents in Australia. Say you’re traversing the expressway when you suddenly felt sleepy, an ADAS-equipped dash camera will alert you when your vehicle leaves its lane at a speed of 50 kilometres per hour. ADAS also lets you know if you’re closing in too much on the car ahead, as it calculates the real-time distance and issues a three-level warning immediately to prevent a possible collision from happening. Even better, ADAS provides a timely heads-up when it’s your turn to move forward at an intersection or a traffic jam.
2. Safety camera notifications
Fixed speed and red-light cameras are everywhere, especially in Australia and New Zealand. That’s why it’s important to keep tabs on them to avoid getting ticketed for a speeding or beating-the-red-light violation with the help of Global Positioning System (GPS) powered dash cams. These pinpoint accurate location details on fixed speed and red-light cameras’ locations so you won’t get caught off guard.
3. GPS data log
While a GPS-equipped dash cam helps deliver precise vehicle speed, collision direction and impact severity information, should you figure in a road mishap, it can also double as a route tracker that stores and recalls past driving routes and shortcuts to cut back on your travel time to work or a holiday destination.
The bottom line: Pros trump cons
Truth be told, installing well-working dash cam to your vehicle has plenty of upsides. Aside from letting you have first-hand evidence of who’s at fault, should you figure in road mishaps or collisions, it can also spare you from wrongful and fraudulent "crash-for-cash" claims. It even lets you have a hard look at routes that might have accident-in-waiting types of curves and blind spots; thus, safer road journeys at every turn.
Though the previously mentioned factors might spell win-win situations for you, these can also haunt you back in haunches, especially if you’re the one at fault. For instance, the dash cam video recording may be utilised against you, particularly if the accident happened due to a lapse on your end. Considering how valuable these surveillance devices can be these days, thieves may try to steal it from your vehicle, hurting your vehicle’s surveillance capabilities and budget, to say the least.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to being the best driver that you can be every time you hit the road. For as long as you stay on the right lane, maintain the proper driving speed, keep your attention intact, observe traffic rules and regulations and think about everyone’s safety at all times, these dash cameras will always be your greatest mates or formidable weapons against irresponsible drivers and mischievous individuals out there.
Want to know more about how installing a dash cam will help you become a better driver? Got questions, feedback, interesting driving stories or dash camera footage to share? Connect with us today!
References:
“Car Accident Statistics 2018.” Budget Direct.
“The Pros and Cons of Dash Cams.” PCB Solicitors.
“Should You Buy A Dash Cam?” Auto Blog.