Dashcams are becoming an increasingly popular car accessory for drivers in Ireland. While there are lots of benefits to owning a dashcam, there also a few things to consider before splashing out on a device.
A dashboard camera, or simply a dashcam, is a small camera installed in a vehicle, usually on or near the dashboard, hence the name.
They can be purchased separately and installed in nearly every type of vehicle but are increasingly built into newer models.
The camera will record everything in front, and in some instances the rear, of a vehicle.
However, like with any technology, there are a few things to consider before rushing out to invest in a device.
What type of dashcam should I buy?
As with any type of technology, there will be a wide range of models and price points to choose from.
But the main things to consider are:
Video quality
This is extremely important because it affects how much detail you can discern from the captured images.
Ideally, you should opt for a camera with at least High Definition (HD) resolution, as this provides clear and sharp video. However, Ultra High Definition (UHD), which offers twice the resolution of HD, and 4K dashcams (with four times the resolution of HD) are becoming increasingly popular.
Having such clear footage is crucial because it allows you to capture smaller details, like the license plate of a car that has crashed into you and driven off, or the face of someone attempting to break into your vehicle.
Size of memory
The more memory a dashcam has, the more footage it can record before getting full.
Most dashcams will come with a memory card included, but make sure to check.
Usually, a dashcam will record on a continuous loop. Once the memory card is full, it'll just record over unwanted footage from the beginning automatically. But some dashcams are intelligent enough to sense bumps and collisions, and will automatically save this footage so that it can't be recorded over automatically.
Viewing angle
The viewing angle indicates how much of the road in front of or behind your car can be captured by the dashcam.
Most dashcams offer a viewing angle starting at around 120 degrees and can go up to a full 180 degrees. To put this into perspective, the human eye has a field of vision of about 140 degrees, so a 180-degree camera can record more activity at the sides of your vehicle. This is particularly important for collisions that occur at the sides or corners of your car.
Two cams or one?
In some cases, your dashcam will come with a rear facing camera which can record footage through the rearview windscreen.
But some will come with a fully separate second camera which you can place on your back window to capture footage from the back more clearly.
GPS
You can also buy dashcams with a built-in GPS feature, which will automatically add the location to any video footage. This allows you to pinpoint the exact spot where any incidents occurred. This feature is especially useful if the Gardaí or insurers need to match your footage with CCTV images or witness statements.
Wi-Fi
This is a handy feature if you want to view footage on your phone or tablet. By connecting your smart phone to the dashcam’s Wi-Fi, videos can be transferred without the need to remove the SD card and connect it to a computer.
Night vision mode
While most dashcams can record well in the dark, some have a special night vision mode to better capture video footage at night.
Benefits
Accident documentation
Probably the biggest benefit of a dashcam is that it provides clear evidence of who's at fault in the event of a collision.
The footage can be shared with insurance companies and the Gardaí, providing an accurate account of an incident and potentially expediting the claims process and protecting you from fraudulent claims.
It's also worth noting that the Gardaí can often request personal dashcam footage to aid in criminal investigations - making you part-detective and a potential assistant in solving crime!
Insurance premium reductions
Another benefit of installing a dashcam is the potential to save on your car insurance.
Some insurers offer discounts to drivers who have dashcams as they can provide clear evidence in the event of an accident.
Deterrence of fraud
Ireland, like many other countries, faces issues related to insurance fraud.
Indeed, according to a survey conducted by Aviva Insurance Ireland in 2023, 21% of motorists have, or know someone who has either exaggerated or falsified a motor insurance claim.
These fraudulent claims increase insurance premiums for everyone, by inflating the risk pool.
Dashcams act as a deterrent to potential fraudsters who might otherwise attempt to stage or exaggerate accidents, or file false claims.
The presence of a dashcam can discourage fraudulent activities, promoting a more honest and transparent driving environment, and potentially lowering car insurance premiums for everyone.
Improved driver behaviour
Knowing that their actions are being recorded tends to make drivers more conscious of their behaviour on the road.
Dashcams can encourage responsible driving habits, leading to a reduction in aggressive driving, speeding, and other risky behaviours. This, in turn, contributes to overall road safety.
Capture of memorable moments
Beyond safety and security, dashcams can also capture memorable moments during your journeys.
Whether it's a stunning sunset, wildlife encounters, freak weather events, or beautiful landscapes, the dashcam serves as a digital travel journal, allowing you to relive and share these experiences.
Considerations
Privacy concerns
One of the main drawbacks of dashcams is the potential invasion of privacy. The continuous recording of public spaces and of people without their consent can be a source of discomfort for some.
Striking the right balance between enhancing road safety and respecting privacy is an ongoing challenge.
Installation and maintenance costs
While most dashcams are fairly affordable, high-quality models can cost several hundred euro. What's more, installation may require professional assistance, incurring additional costs.
There is also the ongoing maintenance to consider, such as ensuring the camera is clean, functioning correctly, and that the storage capacity is sufficient.
Limited field of view
Dashcams typically have a limited field of view, capturing only what is directly in front of the vehicle. Though some can record wider angles or footage at the rear as explained above.
This limitation may result in critical details being omitted, especially in incidents involving multiple lanes or areas not covered by the camera.
Therefore, it's important to be aware of this constraint when purchasing a camera as you may not be able to fully rely on the footage for some incidents.
How do I fit a dashcam?
The easiest way to fit a dashcam is to plug it into the 12V connector i.e. the 'cigarette lighter' in your car.
But you can also get it hard wired to your car's fuse box, which makes for a neater appearance, and leaves your connector free for charging your phone or SatNav for example.
Some sellers of dashcams will provide a fitting service as part of the price.
How can I access my dashcam footage?
When your dashcam is fully wired and switched on, it'll automatically record footage and save it to the camera's SD memory card.
The most common way to access the footage is to remove the SD card from the camera, insert it into the USB port on your computer and then upload the video files to your personal hard drive.
As mentioned above, more modern and better equipped dashcams have Wi-Fi meaning video footage can be transferred to your phone without the need to remove the SD card and connect it to a computer.
An easy decision...
In most cases installing a dashcam is a no-brainer given all the benefits.
But make sure you do your research and buy the right camera for you. Think about how you want to install it. And shop around for the best make and model at the best price.
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