Namibia has one of the highest vehicle fatality rates in the world, at 23.9 per 100,000 people; proving that road safety is a great concern. According to a recent report by The Namibian, human factors such as speeding, reckless driving and distracted driving are among the primary causes of road accidents. This includes behaviours like using cell phones and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
This is why you need an extra set of eyes on the road for an added layer of protection, and dashcams do exactly that. In this blog, we will discuss how dashcams can help reduce accidents and be useful in case of one.
In this article, you will:
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Know what dashcams are and how they work
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Find out how dashcams can help reduce accidents
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Learn how to choose the right dashcam
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Find out extra information about dashcams on the Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
What are dashcams and how do they work?
Dashcams are small cameras usually installed on the vehicle’s dashboard or windshield. While the most common dashcams are road-facing, some can face multiple directions; on the road, in-cabin and in the rearview mirror.
Dashcams record everything that happens on the road as soon as the ignition is on and stop when the ignition is off. Some dashcams can record a few extra minutes after the ignition is off.
Overall, dashcams serve as invaluable tools for enhancing road safety by providing continuous monitoring, promoting responsible driving behaviours, and offering you peace of mind in various situations.
How Dashcams Can Help Reduce Accidents
Dashcams come in handy when it comes to accidents. Not only do they provide proof during an accident, but they can also hold you accountable when driving. When you know you are being recorded, you are most likely to drive cautiously by following the rules of the road. This ultimately helps reduce accidents.
Here are other ways in which dashcams can help reduce accidents:
- Enhancing your awareness of the road: Dashcams with wide-angle lenses can boost your awareness while driving. They give you a better view of blind spots and potential hazards, which comes in handy in unexpected situations—like when another driver suddenly changes lanes or a pedestrian step onto the road.
By capturing these moments, dashcams make it more likely that you’ll have important footage if something goes wrong. This can help prove evidence in case of accidents or disputes. So, having a dashcam means you’re better prepared for whatever comes your way on the road.
- Provides insights post-accident: If you find yourself in an accident, having a dashcam can be a game-changer. You can easily review recorded footage to understand what led to the incident and spot any unsafe behaviours that may have contributed to the accident. This not only helps you piece together what happened but also gives you the chance to see where you or other drivers might have made mistakes. Ultimately, this promotes safer driving habits.
- Encourages Responsible Driving: Having a dashcam encourages responsible driving as knowing that you’re being recorded as you drive motivates you to adopt safer habits, such as maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles and obeying traffic laws.
What are the other benefits of dashcams
Dashcams have many other benefits beyond reducing accidents, investing in a dashcam is a good decision for any driver looking to protect themselves and their vehicle. Let’s look at what these extra benefits are:
- Expedite insurance claims: Since dashcams record pre and post-accident events, your evidence will help speed up your insurance claims process and ensure your vehicle is quickly repaired.
- Theft-deterrent: When thieves see a dashcam in your vehicle they may be hesitant to break in since they know they will be recorded.
- Document road rage: If you ever get involved in a road rage incident, the recorded footage can be submitted to law enforcement and may help reduce instances of aggressive driving.
- Prevent fraud: Some motorists are now scamming unsuspecting drivers by staging accidents and falsely claiming damages from previous incidents. This tactic pressures victims into paying for damages they didn’t cause. Dashcams provide crucial evidence that can protect you from such scams.
Learn more about how dashcams can prevent insurance fraud and scams.
How to choose the right dashcam
When comparing dashcam models, consider features such as video resolution, storage capacity, and additional functionalities such as GPS tracking and night vision capabilities. However, it is important to choose the right service provider first.
You should choose a reputable service provider not only to ensure that you get the best dashcam for your vehicle but also to have access to customer service if you have any questions or need assistance. Imagine you get a dashcam from an unreliable company, and you later notice that it wasn’t recording the whole trip; you phone to enquire about this but no one answers. Ultimately, you are stuck with a dashcam that doesn’t function properly, which defeats the purpose of owning one.
Fortunately, you do not have to look further because Cartrack has exactly what you need. Our vision solution provides you with two dashcam options: Road Vision (with one road-facing camera) and Dual Vision (with two cameras, road and in-cabin facing).
Let’s look at a few key factors to keep in mind when choosing a dashcam that best fits your needs:
Video Quality
The video quality plays an important role in dashcams because the footage has to be high resolution. High-resolution footage provides clarity and detail necessary for identifying key elements during incidents, enhances performance in various lighting conditions, and ensures that recorded evidence is reliable and usable. Investing in a dashcam with good video quality will give you peace of mind on the road, knowing that your footage will come out clear.
Our road-facing cameras have 1080p, ensuring you can see road signs, billboards, license plates, etc.
Low light Conditions
Cartrack Dual Vision dashcams have infrared technology that can capture clear footage in low-light areas, even at night. Cameras automatically switch between night vision and day vision, meaning you always have an extra set of eyes no matter the time of day.
Easy Installation
Our dashcams are designed for easy installation. We will send a qualified technician to install them safely for you. Having a qualified technician handle the installation means that the dashcam is mounted correctly, ensuring that all wiring is neatly tucked away to maintain the vehicle’s interior aesthetics and prevent any interference with airbag systems or other critical components.
Upon successful installation, Cartrack provides a certificate that can be presented to your insurance provider. This certification may help in fulfilling specific policy requirements. Insurers often recognise the value of dashcams in reducing fraudulent claims and enhancing overall safety, making this document beneficial for drivers.
GPS Capabilities
At Cartrack, we understand the importance of safety and accountability on the road, this is why our dashcams come equipped with telematics capabilities. By integrating GPS technology, our dashcams not only capture good-quality videos but also provide driving behaviour analysis. This means you can monitor speed, acceleration, and braking patterns, helping you identify areas for improvement and promoting overall safe driving habits.
Cost Considerations
When purchasing a dashcam, it’s important to consider the price in relation to your specific needs. Cartrack offers options that accommodate various budgets—ranging from basic road-facing dashcams with limited features to more advanced models equipped with motion sensors and additional functionalities. By choosing a dashcam that aligns with your needs, you can make a more informed decision without overspending. Whatever your needs and budget, Cartrack has got you covered.
Mobile App integration
Check if the dashcam comes with a mobile app that allows you to easily access footage, adjust settings, and receive important updates. The Cartrack App allows you to request footage and even livestream your dashcam’s view. Imagine your son, a fairly new driver, takes your car for a ride. You can live stream his trip; this allows you to coach him later to enhance his driving skills and help him stay safe on the road.
This integration not only enhances user experience but also allows for real-time monitoring, ensuring that drivers are informed about their vehicle’s status at all times.
Storage Capacity
The dashcam’s storage capacity is important, as it determines how much footage can be recorded before old files are overwritten. Our cameras have a storage capacity of 128GB, allowing for approximately 6 hours per day at high resolution.
In conclusion, dashcams aren’t only there to provide you with evidence during an accident, they are there to give you peace of mind while driving, knowing that you are prepared to face any challenges on the road. It’s even better when you have Cartrack’s advanced technology dashcams; you can confidently navigate the roads, with a fresh set of eyes.
Elevate Your Road Safety with Dashcams
Gain peace of mind on the road knowing that you have a second set of eyes, that not only encourages safe driving but also provides crucial evidence in the event of an accident.
Contact us today to learn more about how our dashcams can enhance your driving experience and safety!
Frequently Asked Questions about Dashcams
Q: How do I service my dashcam?
A: Our Dashcams have a year warranty. Additionally, you can purchase Cartrack’s lifetime warranty, ensuring that you never have to worry about any damage to the hardware. If you would like to purchase a lifetime warranty, please contact our Client Services Department on +26 (4) 83 720 7500.
Q: How do you clean dashcams?
A: Always keep the lens clean by wiping the lens with a microfiber cloth. Do not use harmful chemicals that may damage plastic components.
Q: Do dashcams use car batteries?
A: Yes they do use car batteries, however, they are designed to turn off automatically when the car’s ignition is off. Some dashcams may stay on for an extra 5 minutes after the ignition is off, but this is typically not enough to drain the battery significantly.
