Dash cams are fast becoming essential parts of motorists’ toolkits. Granted, dash cams won’t necessarily make people better drivers, but they do provide a clearer view of the road when most needed – when there’s been an accident.
In a computer game-themed video produced by motoring specialists, the AA, the benefits of installing a dash cam are highlighted, as are the pitfalls of not having one. There are two sides to every story, and a dash cam goes a long way in showing what actually happened.
The AA also polled its members on attitudes surrounding dash cams, and the results have been revealing. Only 15% of its drivers had already installed a dash cam, which is low, but a 10% rise on statistics gathered just two years prior. Another sign of encouragement was that of all motorists quizzed in the poll, more than 50% were now considering buying one in the future.
It seems as dash cams become more prevalent, any confusion as to where blame lies in an accident will continue to decrease. Another positive side effect is that drivers with dash cams are being more careful with their own driving – purely due to being on film. With first hand evidence at their – and their insurer’s – fingertips, dash cam drivers are keen not to be the one at fault in a crash.
Although created with road safety in mind, dash cams are also having a positive effect on insurance premiums. Drivers using one are being more closely monitored by their insurers who, in turn, are rewarding their good motorists with lower insurance costs.
Dash cams are proving to be a great way of deterring ‘crash for cash’ and ‘flash for cash’ insurance fraud. What started out as a niche crime scheme in eastern Europe has quickly spread worldwide – making victims of vulnerable drivers and pedestrians. As well as the financial cost to motorists, there’s the physical and emotional damage these events can cause, and dash cams are at the forefront of tackling it.
According to statistics, road deaths have been steadily falling over the last 30 years. Much of this is due to new safety innovations in cars and on the roads; dash cams will surely only help to reduce this further. With so many positive effects, it shouldn’t be very long before every new car is equipped with a dash cam as standard.
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