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Do I Need a Dash Cam in My Vehicle?
With dash cams costing anywhere from $30 to $500, you might be wondering, “do I need a dash cam in my vehicle?” They’re common in commercial vehicles, with an estimated 70% of professionals having them installed in their cars and trucks. Now, everyday drivers are beginning to see their benefits.
In this article, we’ll take a balanced approach to the pros and cons of dash cams so that you can decide whether a dash cam is suitable for you.
What Is a Dash Cam?
A dash cam is a dashboard camera mounted in your car’s interior to record what happens in and around your vehicle. You might have seen viral videos of people singing karaoke, rescuing pets from roadways, or capturing Uber drivers doing unspeakable acts.
Drivers can also use dash cams to record other events, such as accidents, vandalism, and other activity that can be used to gather evidence.
Benefits of a Dash Cam
Having a dash cam installed in your vehicle can yield several benefits, including the list below.
Capture Evidence from an Accident
After a car accident, it can be a challenge to determine who is at fault. Each driver has their own version of events, and witnesses could also have conflicting testimony. A dash cam provides objective evidence that can be used to help establish fault.
Monitor New Drivers
It’s natural for parents to feel concerned about their teenagers taking to the roadways for the first time. Installing a dash cam can help parents with peace of mind. They can see how their teenagers conduct themselves, whether they have people in the vehicle, and how well they adhere to traffic laws and safe driving principles.
Solve Crime
You can share dash cam footage with the police to give them evidence to solve various crimes. A dash cam could capture the license plate number in a hit-and-run accident. It can also record other parties such as pedestrians or bicyclists that are causing dangerous conditions. Often this evidence can be used in court to prosecute or defend someone.
Create Memories
On the lighter side, dash cams can also serve a fun purpose. Use your dash cam to capture beautiful scenery on a road trip. Instead of trying to snap photos, your dash cam can be set to record the splendor of your surroundings.
Another popular use of dash cams is to create fun memories. A dash cam with audio capabilities can record deep conversations, karaoke sessions, and other meaningful moments.
Protect Yourself Inside Your Vehicle
No one ever wants to think that something bad can happen while in the sanctuary of your car, but life can be unpredictable. If you have a passenger that violates the law or puts you in danger, your dash cam can record the entire series of events.
Disadvantages of a Dash Cam
There are potential drawbacks to having a dash cam, including these common criticisms:
- Your insurance premium might not go down. Many people buy a dash cam thinking they’ll save big on car insurance, only to find out that their policy doesn’t provide a discount.
- You could become a target of theft. A desperate criminal might see a dash cam and steal it to sell for a profit. This is rare, especially if you have a sleek design that is not obvious to onlookers.
- It could work against you. What if an accident is actually your fault? Your own dash cam footage can become a reliable witness for the other party’s defense.
- Dash Cams Can be a Distraction. When installed on the dashboard or a windshield with a large display screen, it can actually be a distraction. Always install the dashcam in a way that is unobtrusive.
Contact Haines Law with Any Questions
A dash cam is not required by law, but it can provide peace of mind for many drivers. It can also be a valuable tool in the event of a car accident. If you or a loved one has been in a car accident, contact the attorneys at Haines Law for a free consultation. We are here to help.