You may have heard of them or viewed videos taken from them. Dash Cams are cameras installed on vehicle dashboards. They are relatively inexpensive, although they have not yet received enormous popularity here in New Jersey. In Russia, they are the norm for at least a third of motorists. What are the pros and cons of Dash Cams?
Some Pros of Dash Cams
Proponents of Dash Cams are quick to point out that they document car accident causation. The first scenario that comes to mind are claims of phantom vehicles. It is not unusual to hear complaints of calamity caused when a car is cut off by another and triggers a devastating accident with a third vehicle. Without a Dash Cam, it becomes a matter of credibility.
Integrity was indeed an issue in a recent motor vehicle stop. A motorist was emphatic that her car was involved in an accident when the other driver ran a red light. You can see a copy of the video recorded by the Dash Cam here. It facilitated the police officer’s task in issuing the appropriate summons. Here are some other instances where Dash Cam may be useful:
- Record the circumstances of accidents
- Document property damage when no one is in the car (i.e., acts of vandalism, parking lot accidents)
- Monitor the activity of others who use the vehicle (think Nanny Cam for teen drivers)
- Cut down on insurance fraud – video footage is difficult to defeat
Some Cons of Dash Cams
The very thing that makes a Dash Cam so attractive can also have negative effects. Just as the Dash Cam records things in a motorist’s favor, it also chronicles bad behavior. If the driver coasted past a Stop Sign, the video footage will document the action. In addition, the Dash Cam can act as a distraction. If not monitored, they can also record over old footage.
Police Use of Dashcams
Many modern police cars now have Dash Cams installed. Recent headlines include footage of a Linden police officer’s actions during his own DWI stop. The officer was subsequently the driver in a fatal accident that may have also involved drunk-driving. The video has the public questioning how the policeman was still on the force.
Last year, a Bloomfield man was exonerated of criminal charges when a Dash Cam video revealed he was not the guilty party. In fact, as a result of the coverage, the case was turned around. The police officers were ultimately indicted for various charges, including official misconduct.
Contact Us
Technology has many uses in pursuit of legal claims. If you have been involved in an accident of any type, our office may be of assistance. The Law Offices of Beninato and Matrafajlo has practiced law for a number of years. There is no charge to meet with us. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
