A drive camera , also called car camera or eyewitness camera, is a small recording device that is placed on the windscreen or dash board of a vehicle and continuously loop records everything that happens in front of the vehicle while it is moving.
Video footage from the drive camera can be presented as evidence to support a driver’s version of a road traffic collision (RTC), a Traffic Department official has said.
‘Should you be unfortunate enough to be in an accident that was not your fault, and another party is disputing your account of the incident, then the video footage can be used to evidence your innocence,’ he said.
Drive cameras are extensively used in several countries like Russia and China where accident and insurance fraud is a significant problem.
‘If you’ve been unfairly accused of causing a wreck, then you can probably understand why. In many countries, the accusation isn’t merely the beginning of a months-long battle with police and insurance companies.’
In the United States and many countries, police have been using drive camera systems for decades to record evidence during routine traffic stops. Now the technology has begun to catch on among domestic drivers.
‘Imagine a driver after bullying you by flashing and tailgating suddenly overtakes you, cut in front of you and slams on the brakes. So you ended hitting him at the back, but how can you explain the above to the police? The dashboard-mounted cameras record the sights and sounds while the car is driven, providing footage to document what happens on the road in front. While no company yet offers an insurance discount for people who have installed a camera, at least one sees the value in monitoring what goes on in front of a vehicle.’
‘Should you be unfortunate enough to be in an accident that was not your fault, and another party is disputing your account of the incident, then the video footage can be used to evidence your innocence,’ he said.
Drive cameras are extensively used in several countries like Russia and China where accident and insurance fraud is a significant problem.
‘If you’ve been unfairly accused of causing a wreck, then you can probably understand why. In many countries, the accusation isn’t merely the beginning of a months-long battle with police and insurance companies.’
In the United States and many countries, police have been using drive camera systems for decades to record evidence during routine traffic stops. Now the technology has begun to catch on among domestic drivers.
‘Imagine a driver after bullying you by flashing and tailgating suddenly overtakes you, cut in front of you and slams on the brakes. So you ended hitting him at the back, but how can you explain the above to the police? The dashboard-mounted cameras record the sights and sounds while the car is driven, providing footage to document what happens on the road in front. While no company yet offers an insurance discount for people who have installed a camera, at least one sees the value in monitoring what goes on in front of a vehicle.’
The drive camera join a widening array of technology – such as the onboard data loggers installed in all new cars and the pay-as-you-drive devices that bring discounts to cautious and new drivers – that can document behind-the-wheel behaviour. This technology works the same way as the camera installed in ATM machines for security and surveillance.
Dash camera technology became available on the consumer market about 10 years ago, but at that time a decent dash cam retailed for thousands of riyals. Now, a basic model can be bought for under £150.
Parents also install dash cam if they are worried about a teen driver. Drive camera footage provides proof of the driver’s behaviour, like texting behind the wheel.
In the Western countries, more and more motorists are using drive cameras to protect themselves from criminal individuals and ‘crash-for-cash’ organisations who claim false injury and subsequent compensation.
Dash camera technology became available on the consumer market about 10 years ago, but at that time a decent dash cam retailed for thousands of riyals. Now, a basic model can be bought for under £150.
Parents also install dash cam if they are worried about a teen driver. Drive camera footage provides proof of the driver’s behaviour, like texting behind the wheel.
In the Western countries, more and more motorists are using drive cameras to protect themselves from criminal individuals and ‘crash-for-cash’ organisations who claim false injury and subsequent compensation.
More advanced versions of the cameras can also record rear views; some are equipped with infra-red sensors to enable recordings in the dark too. RoadHawk drive camera systems automatically switch on and begin recording as soon as the car ignition starts. Some of the more advanced camera models offer ‘parking mode’ and can also record while the vehicle is parked (i.e. to deter theft and vandalism).
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