In the event of accidents, thefts or as a driving aid: Dashcams in cars, trucks and motorcycles can be very practical. Depending on the device, they take video recordings of the traffic and the surrounding area while driving and when parked. The small cameras are usually installed behind the rear-view mirror and film what is happening in front of the car through the windshield. There are also models with multiple cameras that have additional recording options. In the event of an accident, you have reliable and detailed recordings that can be used as evidence. But what exactly is a dashcam and does it really have any use for the driver? In this article, you will find out what types of devices are available and what functions they offer.
What is a dashcam: The triumph of small cameras
Although they have only gained popularity in recent years, dashcams are not a new phenomenon. The devices were developed for police patrol cars in the USA as early as the 1990s. They were intended to ensure the safety of police officers and to help solve traffic offenses. In the following years, they also came onto the market for regular road users. In Russia in particular, interest in dashcams was high right from the start. This could be due to the high number of traffic accidents and deliberately provoked accidents. The cameras also quickly caught on in Great Britain. Their triumphal march through Germany, however, only began in recent years. This is probably due to the gray area of data protection law in this country. For a long time, there was uncertainty as to whether cameras were even permitted in cars . It was not until 2018 that a court ruled that event-related filming was permitted and that the recordings could be used as evidence.
The different types of dashcams
There are now various dashcams on the market and it is not always easy to decide on a model. First of all, it depends on the type of vehicle. Depending on whether you drive a truck , a van, a car or a motorcycle , different devices are suitable. The first cameras for bicycles are now also available.
If you need a dashcam for your car, you can choose between regular , dual and three-channel systems. Models with one video camera record traffic through the windshield. Dashcams with multiple cameras, on the other hand, also film to the rear and/or inside vehicles. If an accident occurs, you will have a comprehensive picture. So when buying, consider the type of vehicle and the number of cameras you want.
Dashcam in the car: Popular features
Modern dashcams are truly multifunctional devices and have a lot to offer in addition to video recordings. The main focus is of course always on observing traffic and making the appropriate recordings in the event of an incident. In addition, many devices offer a range of other assistance functions that offer you more safety when driving and when parked. The most common are:
- Parking mode: Some dashcams can be used as a security camera . If you have to park your car in an unsecured location, you can rest assured that your dashcam will film everything in the event of a break-in or hit-and-run accident.
- Loop function: In this country, a camera in the vehicle is not allowed to film continuously and cannot save the videos without reason. Therefore, almost all devices have a recording loop. This means that older recordings are automatically overwritten. The G-sensor , which detects vibrations or abrupt braking maneuvers, ensures that no important videos such as accidents are deleted.
- Reversing and parking assistance: Many dashcams with a rear view camera can also help with parking and reversing.
- Night vision: A dashcam must deliver sharp images in the dark, including license plates. This means the devices can record particularly clear videos even in poor visibility conditions.
- GPS: The GPS gives the videos an acceptance stamp with speed, time and location. This is particularly important in court so that the data can be evaluated correctly.
- Driving assistance: The latest car cameras can help you while driving. They recognize traffic signs, one-way streets and speed limits and warn you with voice notifications. A lane departure warning system and forward collision warning provide additional safety while driving.
- Dashcam app: With the corresponding app you can easily connect your phone to the dashcam, change settings and download the videos.
Proper use of the dashcam
Many people mistakenly believe that using a dashcam is illegal in Germany. However, this is not true, there is no ban on installing the camera in the car. When filming, however, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to avoid violating applicable data protection laws. For example, you cannot film continuously without reason, save the recordings or publish them. Using the loop function is therefore essential when using dashcams. This means that only videos that show an important incident or accident are saved, which is not prohibited. If these are used to clarify a situation, most insurance companies and in court proceedings accept them as evidence. However, this is always decided on a case-by-case basis.
How useful is a dashcam
When used properly, a dashcam is a useful and helpful gadget in the vehicle. It helps you while driving and, with its numerous functions, ensures greater safety on the road. In order not to violate personal rights, you should of course always adhere to the General Data Protection Regulation. Modern devices also have a lot more to offer besides recording. Help with parking, reversing, GPS and lane assistant: the small cameras are very popular and will be part of the normal equipment in cars in the future.
