Dash cams, or dashboard cameras, have grown in popularity over the last few years, both amongst private and commercial consumers. They can provide evidence in case of an accident, reveal the faces of brazen thieves, or even give you a live feed from any vehicles in your fleet.
For a long time, these devices were considered a luxury rather than a must-have. However, as car theft, hijacking, and child abduction statistics in South Africa continue to rise, protecting yourself, your family and your vehicle are more important than ever.
Dash cams are a must-have for car security for several reasons:
Anti-Theft
Many dash cams and vehicle camera solutions include the ability to send alarms and alerts if the car is being tampered with. If there’s motion or a disturbance, like a broken window, the system can notify you of a problem. Some of these devices can swivel around as well, so you can get a remote snapshot of the thieves in the car, as some unlucky thieves have discovered.
Your vehicle isn’t the only thing you need to protect. If you have children, a dash cam can be invaluable. For example, in Germiston, a three-year-old girl was almost kidnapped through a vehicle window. The police found the suspect, but without any definitive evidence, no arrest could be made.
If you’re in the logistics industry, a complete camera solution can also monitor your cargo, notifying you if it’s disturbed.
Vehicle Tracking and Recovery
Often, especially in the case of parking lot car thefts, you’ll likely miss the thief by minutes. Activate your dash cam remotely and give police a good look at the road the thieves are taking.
If you work with a vehicle tracking company, they can use the information to find and recover your vehicle. These solutions can be especially invaluable if you manage a fleet or transport cargo and need to recover expensive goods.
Proof of Accident/Incident or Dispute
Accidents happen, and they’re not always your fault. However, that’s not going to stop other parties from trying to blame you. In one international case, a border patrol made an illegal turn at an intersection, causing an accident. The officers all claimed that the civilian driver was at fault for crossing a red light.
Thankfully, the driver had a dash cam. The video clearly showed that the light was green and that the patrol had made an illegal turn. It’s that footage that saved the man from a hefty fine. Whether you’re in an accident, incident, or a dispute, dash cam footage can protect you.
Having a vehicle camera can also be used for evidence in an insurance case, giving you the added benefit of financial security.
In the case of a commercial vehicle, a dash cam can provide valuable evidence in a liability case or dispute. A recording can prove the innocence or guilt of your driver(s).
In one case in 2017, a truck driver was accused of reckless driving; an accusation that could cost him his career and damage his employer’s reputation. It was dash cam footage that cleared the driver and the company, showing how essential these solutions can be for commercial fleets.
Fraud Prevention
Vehicle insurance fraud isn’t just illegal; it’s potentially lethal. These fraudsters will slam on the breaks, causing an accident. These incidents happen all over the world, and things can go horribly wrong. Not only can you end up with a life-changing injury, but you might also be the one on the hook for the blame and the costs.
Social media is filled with dash cam videos catching incidents like this on camera. The recording can be used as proof for your insurance company, protecting your health and finances.
Driver Behaviour Monitoring
Unfortunately, the worst betrayal can be from those we trust. There have been documented cases of relatives kidnapping young children and logistics drivers damaging or stealing cargo. Very few people realize how vital a role a dash cam and vehicle camera solution can play in these situations.
Did your driver leave a designated route? Activate the camera and take a look. Did you receive a tampering notification? Check the recordings. Was your child taken while in your vehicle? Your dash cam might have snapped invaluable evidence.
Dash cams are sophisticated tools, and even something as small as a perceived bump on the road can send an alert.
A Modern Solution for Modern Security Risks
Thieves, reckless drivers, and fraudsters are all becoming smarter and posing serious risks to your personal safety and vehicle security. A dash cam and fleet camera solution can protect yourself and your family, fleet, business, and drivers in various accidents and incidents.
Whether you need a recovery solution or just need to monitor your daily activities for personal safety reasons, a dash cam is the perfect security measure to start with.
