Dash Cams and Vehicle Safety

Two pairs of eyes are better than one, as the saying goes. And in the case of cars, humans are making remarkable use of what their dashboard cameras can see. 

What is a dash cam?

A dashboard camera, commonly called a dash cam, is a small device mounted inside your vehicle that records video footage of the road ahead and, in some cases, the area behind or inside the car. These cameras act as reliable eyewitnesses by capturing your drive in real time. 

Some advanced dash cams feature 360-degree interior cameras, often designed in a compact, spherical shape, and are equipped with 4G connectivity to effortlessly send videos and images when needed.

Delivering reliable information on the chronology, timing and movement of events, dash cams have evolved rapidly out of necessity, and their popularity is projected to increase over the next several years. So, let’s jump right into a few dash cam basics and uncover the key ways that dashboard cameras are revolutionizing vehicle safety.  

How dash cams work

Most dashboard cameras are powered by your car’s electrical system (via a 12V power outlet). The camera can be mounted at the rear or front of the car’s cabin and either stores the footage on a memory (SD) card or can be cloud-based and store video recordings on servers Both are easy to access either by a mobile phone or a laptop.

Once the card is full, the oldest footage may be overwritten to allow room for new recordings. But in the event of sudden impacts, a G-sensor within the camera automatically saves footage and prevents it from being overwritten. 

Some dash cams have a “parking mode” feature that allows you to record footage even when the car is off. However, a hardwired power source is required to activate this feature, and battery drain should be a consideration. If you're interested in park mode, make sure to look for a camera with voltage cutoff or low-voltage protection.

How do dash cams help with vehicle safety?

• Evidence documentation: Accidents are stressful enough without the “back and forth” element of conflicting testimonies slipping into the equation. This is where dash cams shine: They help law enforcement corroborate events without the risk of disputes. Real-time footage of road mishaps and what transpires before and after an incident can deliver evidence of everything from hit-and-run accidents (including the capture of perpetrator license plate numbers) to parking lot vandalism and theft. Many modern dash cams even have an audio feature that records conversations and road noise to help add context in legal disputes.

• Fraudulent claims protection: Staged auto accidents are a common type of insurance fraud that can be more easily mitigated by dash cam footage. Crucial details such as the timing of traffic lights, the speed of vehicles, the presence of road signs and the movement of pedestrians are some of the activities that can be captured by dash cams and used by investigators, insurers and the courts to make fair and impartial decisions. Consider too that criminals are more easily thwarted by visible dash cams and the vehicle stickers many manufacturers provide alerting others to active dash cams onboard.

• Responsible driving encouragement: Personal accountability increases when activities are recorded. In the same way that dash cams can help defend against liability, they can potentially reveal activity that could increase liability. For this reason, dash cams encourage safe driving habits and might prompt one to reconsider even the small risks they take behind the wheel.

• Assistance to other drivers: Vehicle safety pertains to all vehicles on the road, which means that you can use your dash cam to help a stranger. For example, if you witnessed a hit-and-run driver bump the car ahead of you, you could turn your recorded footage over to law enforcement to assist the other driver and help identify the at-fault motorist.   

• Location tracking: Some dash cams have built-in GPS trackers that record and embed your vehicle’s location and real-time route data. This feature can make it easy for emergency services to find you in an accident and assist in recovery if your vehicle is stolen.  

Dash cams for security: An investment that pays

The reasons listed above show that investment in a dash cam can pay multiple times over if you’re ever involved in a traffic incident or if your car is vandalized or stolen. Even if you’re one of the lucky few who never experience misfortune on the road, a dash cam can provide peace of mind and even help capture memorable or scenic moments you might wish to revisit later. 

FAQs About Dash Cams

Q: Will a dash cam drain my car battery?

A: Most dash cams only run when the car is on, but those with “parking mode” need a hardwired setup. To avoid battery drain, look for models with low-voltage protection or a voltage cutoff feature.

Q: Are dash cams legal in all states?

A: Dash cams are legal in most places, but laws about audio recording and windshield placement vary by state. Check local regulations to ensure your setup complies.

Q: How much storage do I need for a dash cam?

A: A 32GB to 128GB memory card is typical, depending on video resolution and loop recording settings. Some cameras overwrite old footage automatically unless an event (like a collision) triggers the file to be saved.

Q: How do I install a dash cam?

A: Many dash cams plug into the 12V power outlet, and they are placed using a suction mount or adhesive. Professional installation is recommended for features like parking mode or cleaner cable management.

Q: Are there dash cams that record inside the car?

A: Yes. Dual-facing and 360-degree dash cams can record the road and the interior, which is especially useful for rideshare drivers or for added security.

Q: Can dash cams record at night?

A: Many modern dash cams have night vision or low-light sensors, offering clear footage even in dark conditions. Look for models with infrared (IR) or wide dynamic range (WDR) features.

Q: How do dash cams support safer driving?

A: Dash cams promote responsible driving by recording behavior on the road. They also assist in accident investigations, discourage fraudulent claims and provide a way to help others in emergencies.