Today, when traffic on the roads is more and more intense and accidents unfortunately happen often, more and more drivers decide to buy a dashcam. Is it worth investing in such a device? What are the benefits of having one? We will answer these and other questions in this article.
What is a dash cam and how does it work?
A dashcam, also known as a dashcam, is a small device usually mounted on the windshield of a vehicle that records the image and sound from the road. Recordings from the webcam can be stored on a memory card, and in some models also sent live to the cloud.
Why is it worth buying a dash cam?
There are many arguments in favor of buying a dash cam. Here are the most important of them:
- Evidence in the event of an accident or collision: A recording from a webcam can be irrefutable evidence in a disputed situation, e.g. when there is a collision and the perpetrator tries to shift the blame onto another driver.
- Protection from scammers: The camera can protect you from attempts to extort compensation, e.g. in the event of the so-called “crash on a pole”.
- Driving Style Monitoring: Analysis of recordings from the camera allows you to monitor your own driving style and eliminate possible mistakes.
- Parking assistance: Some dashcam models have a rearview camera feature that makes parking easier.
- Beautiful Route Registration: A dashcam can be used to record scenic routes while traveling.
How to choose a dash cam? What to pay attention to?
Choosing a dashcam can be difficult due to the wide range of products available on the market. Before buying, it is worth paying attention to several important parameters:
- Recording Resolution: The higher the resolution, the better the image quality. It is recommended to choose a webcam recording in at least Full HD resolution (1920×1080).
- Viewing Angle: A wide viewing angle allows you to capture a larger area of the road. The optimal viewing angle is about 140-170 degrees.
- Image Stabilization: Image stabilization reduces shake and shake for better video quality.
- Night Mode: The camera with night mode provides good visibility even after dark.
- Additional features: Many dashcams offer additional features such as GPS, motion detection, G-sensor, lane assistant and forward collision warning. It is worth considering which of them are important to us.
Types of dashcams
There are different types of dashcams available in the market. The most popular of them are:
- Single-channel cameras: They record the image only from the front of the vehicle.
- Dual-channel cameras: They record the image from the front and rear of the vehicle.
- Cameras with built-in GPS: They record the image along with the location and speed data of the vehicle.
- Cameras with WiFi function: They allow you to connect wirelessly to your smartphone or tablet.
Installation and operation of a dash cam
Installing a dashcam is usually simple and does not require specialized tools. Most devices are attached to the glass with a suction cup or adhesive tape. The webcam is also intuitive to use.
Legal aspects related to the use of a dash cam
In Poland, there are no regulations prohibiting the use of dashcams. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Personal data protection: Webcam recordings contain the image of other people, so they should be processed in accordance with data protection regulations.
- Publication of recordings: Publication of recordings on the Internet requires the consent of the people whose image is on them.
- Recordings as evidence in court: Webcam recordings can be used as evidence in court, but they are not indisputable evidence. The court assesses the credibility of the recording on a case-by-case basis.
Summary
A dash cam is a device that is gaining popularity. It provides many benefits, such as: evidence in the event of an accident, protection against fraudsters, monitoring of driving style. When choosing a webcam, it is worth paying attention to its technical parameters, such as recording resolution, angle of view and night mode. You should also remember about the legal aspects related to the use of the webcam.
