Quite literally, a dash cam is a camera placed on the dashboard of your car. The dash cam acts as a silent witness in case an accident occurs. So if you ever get involved in an accident and are falsely blamed for initiating it, you can rely on your dash cam to speak the truth. These devices record every detail that occurs when you drive accurately and securely.
You must be wondering- why do I need a dash cam?
Dash cams are more useful than you think! You could be the safest driver in the world, but there is always a chance you could get involved in an accident. Of course, the cost of the dash cam could be expensive. However, dash cams help you save money in the long run by helping you prove your innocence in hit-and-run cases and vehicular accidents. So, you know that you are always safe in that sense. With video evidence on your side, your fleet can stay safe and protect drivers who are not at fault but falsely framed.
You could have a driving record of not a single accident, but there are some very unsafe drivers out there as well. With this recording device, you have an accurate and actual account of all events as you drive.
Fleet managers and drivers get more control and visibility over the road with these cameras. With dash cams, fleets can:
- Reduce accidents and get out of framed accidents
- Have increased visibility on the road
- Reduce the cost of collisions
How To Choose a Dash Cam for Truckers?
There are so many dashcams available on the market; the list is almost endless. So, how do you know which one is the right one for your fleet?
We have listed some features that determine which dash cam suits your needs best.
- Storage Capacity: There are two mostly storage options –
- Micro SD cards, also known as memory cards, have a certain amount of video that they can save
- Internet-connected dash cams that upload videos to cloud storage automatically
- Resolution and Quality: The video quality needs to be impeccable for it to do its job. Usually, we recommend cameras with 1080p resolution. Some dash cams have a wide-angle lens or dynamic range, offering an extensive view. Having the best quality is very important. To clearly see the number plate and other crucial details, your dash cam should be of world-class quality.
- Internet: Would you prefer a dash cam with WiFi capabilities? Or does a car-embedded connection work better for you? Your uploading quality will be affected by which dash cam it is.
Installation: A dash cam can be installed in different ways. You can either opt for an adhesive dash cam or a suction cup. Adhesive attachments are quick and secure enough to keep your device in place.
Types of dashcams
Now that you know what to look for in a dash cam, what options do you have?
Front Facing Dash Cams
Front-facing Dash cams are famous for their superior video quality. It has been created in such a way that it increases visibility for fleets that are specifically safety conscious. The mounting process only takes a few minutes at best. Truck drivers and fleet managers have visibility like no other. These dash cams use sensors to detect incidents automatically. Once integrated with Google maps or a similar app, it gives managers the advantage of footage that works with location data. These dash cams are a popular choice among fleets today.
Dual Facing Dash Cams
As the name suggests, these dash cams are dual-faced. They capture both inward and outward-facing videos. It enables you to look at both the driver’s reactions and activity as well as the road. The wide-angle lens offers a clear view of the car. CameraMatics has a fleet dash cam system that checks driver vigilance and alerts them when it detects signs of fatigue or distraction. Through this, fleets can detect distracted and rash driving activity. You can keep an eye on the road and the driver. How convenient is that? These videos are admissible evidence in court. Dual Facing Dash Cams are also a popular choice among fleets. With a Dual Facing camera, both sides of a story are out in the open.
Internal Cameras
Internal cameras can capture video inside a vehicle and are designed to ensure the safety of passengers and cargo. The recording can spot instances of bullying or vandalism. Bullying in transit vehicles has become quite common and may lead to violence. At the same time, cargo theft is becoming an increasing offense in the states. Therefore, interior cameras are popular and help to punish these offenders, thereby preventing the crime.
External Cameras
External Cameras are mounted on the outside of a vehicle. It gives a 360-degree view of the vehicle and the area surrounding it. These cameras are especially useful when the car is in a blind spot and makes swift turns. These cameras capture everything around you- even the details the driver may easily miss. Other cameras, like rear cameras, capture details that may slip undetected from the rearview mirror. On the other hand, side cameras capture a crystal clear view of objects beside the vehicle. These cameras capture all the data around the vehicle – even the smallest details are recorded in the finest quality.
Multi-Camera Systems
The multi-camera system essentially consists of multiple cameras to give a 360° view of every vehicle. With this system, the driver and fleet have a complete picture of what’s going on inside and outside the vehicle. It gives unforeseen visibility that you will not normally get with other dashcams. The multi-camera system has essentially combined the features of all the cameras discussed previously into one concrete, all-rounded system.
Overall, the different types of dash cams offer different areas of protection. Having a dash cam is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your safety. If your fleet is responsible for cargo transportation, then having internal cameras is recommended. If it is a driving agency, then having a view of your surroundings is crucial. Having both views is ideal for any situation. If you have questions about the types of dash cams, feel free to discuss them in the comments below.
