Vehicle Dashboard Cameras Are Growing in Popularity

The use of vehicle dashboard cameras continues to grow.  Consumer Reports notes that dashboard camera sales were expected to hit $68 million dollars in 2017.  While they are far from widespread, there may be real utility in installing one in your vehicle.

Dashboard cameras range in price and features.  The most common is simply a camera that looks out of the front windshield.  However, you can have cameras that record your head positioning and use of a cell phone or radio.  They can also monitor your speed as you move down the road.  They can compile real-time facts that can often tell the tale of how an accident occurs.  Often there are multiple versions of how an accident occurs, and car video may be helpful in an accident situation to determine how an accident happened or who may be at fault.  

Aside from the video of an accident, video may help regulate a driver’s conduct.  If you think someone is watching do you drive better?   In the end, cameras may help tell the full story of how an accident occurred, but might also help remind drivers their actions are being constantly monitored.  When you know your actions are being recorded you likely tend to be more diligent and focused on driving correctly.

If you do have a camera and find yourself in an accident, be sure to preserve the information.  The video is likely evidence in an accident, and you may have a duty to make sure it’s preserved safely.  Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers have successfully used video from vehicles in car accident injury cases.