Your Quick and Easy Guide to Dashcams
If you are looking for a guide to dashcams, you've landed on the right page. Dashcams are not just about recording your drives; they serve as an essential tool for ensuring safety, providing evidence in case of accidents, and even capturing the sheer unpredictability of nature. In this article, we will walk you through different types of dashcams, features to look out for when buying and more. Once you've purchased and installed your new dashcam, remember to bring your vehicle for a DEKRA Condition Report for an in-depth, digitalised, image-based report relating to the technical status of your vehicle. Click/tap here to find a branch near you.
So, let's go through our guide to dashcams!
What is a Dashcam?
A dashcam is a handy little digital video camera that mounts on the dashboard of your vehicle, aimed through the windshield to capture the road ahead. Some variations can be attached to your windshield or rearview mirror. It records your journey while you drive, and provides a reliable and impartial eyewitness in case of incidents. Beyond serving as a guard against disputes and fraudulent claims, dashcams can also be invaluable for capturing unexpected events like when nature acts out of character. Simple to install and easy to operate, these devices offer peace of mind to drivers, knowing that every moment on the road is securely documented.
Why Vehicles Should be Equipped with Dashcams?
- Enhanced Safety: Dashcams increase driving safety by monitoring road conditions and driver behaviour, making drivers more aware and cautious.
- Evidence in Case of Accidents: In the event of an accident, a dashcam provides clear evidence, helping to quickly establish the facts and determine fault.
- Prevention of Fraud: They can deter and provide proof against insurance fraud schemes, like staged accidents and exaggerated claims.
- Encourages Responsible Driving: Knowing their actions are being recorded, drivers are more likely to adhere to traffic laws and drive responsibly.
- Capture Unique Moments: We've all come across at least one 'did you see that?!' moment while driving somewhere. Now you can capture it and share it because sometimes seeing really is believing.
Uses for Dashcams
- Legal Advice: Dashcams can be important in providing legal professionals with accurate, real-time evidence that may influence the outcome of traffic-related disputes or lawsuits.
- Security Monitoring: When your car is parked, many dashcams continue to record, offering surveillance that can help deter theft or vandalism.
- Driver Training and Monitoring: They are invaluable tools for training new drivers and monitoring the behaviour of fleet drivers, ensuring adherence to driving standards and enhancing road safety.
Types of Dashcams
- Basic Dashcams:Basic dashcams are entry-level models that record footage from the front windshield. They are affordable and easy to use, making them ideal for drivers who want a straightforward solution to record their drives without extra features.
- Dual-Channel Dashcams: These come equipped with two cameras, capturing both the front view and rear view of the vehicle. This setup is perfect for comprehensive coverage, helping to document incidents from multiple angles and providing extra security for drivers.
- Advanced Dashcams with GPS and Wi-Fi: Advanced dashcams are high-tech cameras that offer GPS tracking and Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling real-time location tracking and easy video transfer to other devices. They often include additional features like speed monitoring and geofencing, making them a top choice for tech-savvy drivers and professionals who need more from their devices.
- Capacitor-Based Dashcam: Instead of a traditional battery, capacitor-based dashcams use a capacitor for power, which improves their durability and performance in extreme temperatures. This type makes them more reliable over time, and they are particularly suitable for regions with fluctuating climate conditions.
Features to Consider when Choosing a Dashcam
- Video Quality: Opt for a high resolution (1080p or better).
- Reliability: Look for a durable build and the ability to withstand various temperatures.
- Storage Capacity: Ensure that there's sufficient memory and support for high-capacity SD cards.
- Loop Recording: Automatically overwrite the oldest files to manage storage.
- Field of View: Check for a wide-angle lens to capture a broad area.
- Night Vision: If you drive a lot at night, ensure it has clear recording capabilities in low-light conditions.
- GPS Integration: This is necessary if you want to track your route and speed data.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Transfer and view footage via smartphone.
- Impact Sensors: This feature detects collisions and secures footage automatically.
- Parking Mode: If you want to monitor your car while parked, ensure the dashcam has this feature.
- Ease of Installation: How simple is the setup and maintenance?
- Screen: Do you want one built-in for playback with settings adjustment directly on the device? If yes, make sure the dashcam has a screen.
In Which Kind of Situations will Dashcams be Helpful - Scenarios
Our guide to dashcams wouldn't be complete without a few practical applications. Let's look at a few scenarios where dashcams can come in very handy.
Accident/Dispute Resolution Scenarios
Imagine your driving routine takes you through an intersection when another car suddenly runs the red light and collides with your vehicle. With a dashcam installed, the entire accident is recorded, capturing the moment the other driver ignored traffic rules. This footage serves as indisputable evidence when you file an insurance claim and police report. Without the dashcam, it could have turned into a complex 'your word against theirs' situation, potentially resulting in a lengthy and frustrating dispute. The dashcam video clearly demonstrates fault, facilitating a smoother and more just resolution of the incident.
Take note: A dashcam won't make your insurer lower your monthly premium, but it can help prove your innocence, which might help you avoid a premium hike after your claim is settled. For more clarity, speak to your insurer directly.
Documentation of Journeys
Embark on a road trip along the Garden Route with a dashcam capturing every stunning vista and coastal scene. This footage becomes a treasured digital scrapbook, showcasing your drive past dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and quaint towns. Whether it's the panoramic views from the Bloukrans Bridge or spotting elephants near Addo Elephant National Park, your dashcam documents these moments, perfect for sharing with family or using as a reference for future adventures.
Unusual Events
Dashcams can capture incredible and unpredictable natural phenomena unique to South Africa. Picture driving through the Karoo during a sudden, intense thunderstorm, with your dashcam recording the dramatic lightning strikes that illuminate the vast, open landscape. Or imagine capturing the awe-inspiring sight of southern lights from a geomagnetic storm appearing in the sky above Cape Town. These unique moments, when documented, offer not only personal memories but also valuable contributions to local weather and natural history records.
Fun Things Caught on Dashcams
- Meteor Showers and Shooting Stars: Drivers have caught stunning footage of meteors streaking across the sky, providing not only a spectacular view but also valuable data for astronomers.
- Dancing Traffic Officers: In some countries, traffic officers have been seen to entertain waiting drivers with dance moves. These joyful performances can brighten up any mundane commute.
- Street Performances: From impromptu concerts to flash mobs, dashcams have captured various street performances that suddenly transform ordinary street scenes into live shows.
- Heroic Deeds: Dashcams often catch acts of kindness and bravery, like people saving animals from busy roads or drivers stopping to help others in distress.
- Ghostly Encounters: Some dashcam owners claim to have captured footage of supernatural events, adding a bit of mystery and excitement to their nightly drivers.
Photo credit: Sticker it on Unsplash
We hope you found our guide to dashcams helpful in your decision to make one a part of your travels, whether it's for daily commutes or long-distance road trips. Integrating a dashcam into your driving routine not only enhances your road safety but also fortifies your legal standing in unexpected incidents. After setting up your dashcam, consider complementing its benefits with a DEKRA Condition Report. Our report offers a comprehensive assessment of your vehicle's condition, providing you with peace of mind and ensuring that your car is as reliable on the road as your new dashcam. Find a DEKRA branch near you today.
Read Related Articles:
- Weather-Related Driving Hazards: How to Stay Safe on the Road
- Reducing Road Accidents: The Crucial Role of DEKRA Vehicle Inspection in Road Safety
- DEKRA Safety Check: 10 Reasons Why You Need One
- The Role of DEKRA Condition Reports in Sustainable Vehicle Ownership