The merits and drawbacks of using dashcams have become increasingly pertinent in today’s tech-savvy world. These compact, inconspicuous cameras installed in vehicles offer a range of advantages, such as augmenting safety and security, as well as furnishing valuable evidence in the event of accidents or disputes. Nevertheless, akin to any technological innovation, they also entail certain disadvantages, including privacy concerns and the potential to distract drivers. In this discussion, we will delve into the advantages and disadvantages of dash cams to assist you in making an informed choice about whether to integrate one into your daily commute.
Advantages Of A Dash Casms
The dash cam comes with many advantages which is why their popularity has been hyped among vehicle owners in the past few years. Let’s talk about the benefits they offer.
1. Record Accidents
No matter how much undesired, unfortunately, accidents do happen on the roads. When they happen, you’ll likely need a piece of recorded evidence to secure you from wrong accusations when you are not at fault or responsible for the accident. Some dash cams, such as 360 dash cams, record all actions around your vehicle while you’re driving or parked. And when such a situation arises, the advantage is that the dash cam will provide you with video evidence to reassure the truth in such events and scenarios.
2. Provide Security
Dash cameras provide you with recorded evidence to locate the cause of potential damage or wrongdoing when your car is parked and unattended. These cameras can be set to turn on when motion is detected around your vehicle and can record attempted break-ins, vandalism, or hit-and-run incidents. These cameras also provide you with recorded evidence and protection if you are an Uber driver or a rideshare driver and get into trouble with an uncanny passenger. Or when you are driving your car and falsely get pulled over by traffic police when you haven’t broken the law.
3. Enforce Accountability
Dash Cams create a stronger sense of accountability for drivers who are aware of their responsibility for safe conduct on the road. If they practice any unsafe driving technique, they have to confront their mistakes that are being caught and recorded on a Dash Cam. It helps the driver to not repeat the mistake. Also when the driver knows that he is being recorded, he will often be cautious enough to drive safely and smarter.
4. Improve Driving
Drivers who have just driven back home safely after driving sleepy or drunk may never realize how risky and unlawful a thing they have just tried until they watch their video. Dash cams provide the drivers with recordings that they can watch later and see for mistakes like such, and many more like not keeping a proper eye on the road or engaging with their phones.
5. Facilitate Drivers
Apart from all the basic features, the best dash cam today comes with navigation, lane departure, collision warning, and many more features that facilitate the driver and make driving more comfortable and fun.
6. Reduce Insurance Premiums
Many insurance companies offer discounts on premiums if you have a dash cam installed in your car. This is because footage from the dashcam can be used to help determine who is at fault in an accident, making claims cheaper and easier to settle. Some insurers will give you a discount just for having a dash cam, while others will only offer a discount if you agree to share the footage with them after an accident.
If your insurer doesn’t offer a discount, it may be worth shopping around for one that does.
Disadvantages Of A Dash Cams
After analyzing all the advantages of dash cams it doesn’t seem like there could be any disadvantage of a dash cam other than that you have to pay for it when you buy it. But let’s talk about a few minor ones.
1. Cost
Yes, dash cams can be costly. A normal dash cam can cost you from 20 to 100 dollars each and this price increases as you add up advanced features. The most advanced dash cams can cost you from 300 to 400 $ and even more.
2. May Cause Distraction
It would be rather ironic if dashcam distracts you while driving because they are usually positioned in a blind spot on your windscreen. But they could be a distraction if positioned wrong. And some dash cams come with a display screen which can sometimes draw a driver’s attention, so, it’s better to place it out of the driver’s sight. Moreover, multiple channel dash cams usually come with a lot of wiring and may make your car interior look untidy if not installed professionally.
3. May Encourage Theft
Most dash cams come with simple installation and work after being plugged into the 12v socket of your car. While it is most unlikely to happen, it may encourage theft because these dashcams can be easily plugged out. If you want to play it safer, you can check our article on the best hidden car cameras to get your hands on some of the best hidden dash cams for cars.
4. Potential To Invade Privacy
This is the only major disadvantage of dash cams. With dash cam recording, there is always a danger of invading someone’s privacy. And with a WiFi connection, a video or picture from a dash cam can easily make it to social media and the internet causing lawsuits and troubles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dash cam?
A dash cam is a dashboard camera, as the name implies. It is sometimes also referred to as Car DVR (Digital Video Recorder) or Automative Blackbox Recorder. It is simply an in-car camera usually installed on the dashboard or windscreens of cars and buses. There are many different types of dash cams. Motorcycle dash cams are also famous among riders these days.
What is a dash cam used for?
The Dashcam is the security camera designed and used for the surveillance and safety of the vehicle and to keep track of events. They have become very popular throughout the USA and all over the world for the safety and convenience they provide.
Why is the dash cam important for your car?
Dash camera is a vital and integral part of a safer and secure ride in the modern era. It is important for your car because it secures your vehicle by monitoring it and also comes in handy by providing evidence when the driver is in undesirable situations for instance road accidents, road rages, and false tickets.
How to use a dash cam?
Dash cams should only be used for personal and safety purposes, and should not infringe on someone else’s privacy. Please check the local laws of your state regarding dash cams before buying one.
Is dash cam worth it?
Yes, without any doubt. The dash cam has become a necessity for a safer ride. And its advantages outweigh its disadvantages by far. A good dash cam may cost you a few dollars upfront but in the long run, its benefits are too compelling and are worth the money you spend on it.
