Dashboard cameras (commonly called dash cams) have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years in Australia, with research conducted by insurance company Allianz in 2019 finding that 21 per cent of all Australian drivers are currently recording their drives [1].
Notably, more than half of the 1,000+ Australians surveyed who said they owned a dash cam had bought the accessory within the 12 months prior and 39 per cent of respondents indicated that they intended to purchase a dash cam within the next year if they hadn’t done so already.
With so many advantages for motorists, pedestrians, traffic control offers and other road users, it’s easy to understand why they have become so popular! Some benefits of dash cameras include:
Evidence in the event of a car accident
Car accidents are, unfortunately, a common occurrence on Australian roads. Car accidents can be caused by a range of factors including fatigue, speed, reckless driving, distractions, poor weather conditions and alcohol and other drugs etc.
Dash cameras continually record standard or high-definition footage of the area surrounding your car while it is turned on and most modern devices have a built-in night mode as well.
Importantly, dash cams can provide irrefutable evidence in the event of a car accident and can protect you from any false accusations of being at fault for the incident if you were not. Dash cam footage can greatly assist in insurance claims.
Evidence of road rage
Sadly, there have been many instances of motorists with road range that have verbally abused / spat on / thrown objects at cyclists as well as road workers and traffic controllers who are only doing their job to keep motorists and pedestrians safe.
This type of behaviour is never acceptable and can be highly traumatising for those affected.
Dash cameras and body cameras worn by traffic control officers can provide clear evidence of instances of road rage and can assist in reporting such events to the police.
Other surveillance at traffic management sites
Main Roads Western Australia encourages the use of body cameras, dash cameras or other video surveillance at temporary traffic management sites for the purposes of recording traffic incidents, recording traffic management inspections, site records and traffic monitoring so long as anyone that conducts any form of video surveillance follows all applicable surveillance and privacy laws [2].
Changing driver behaviour
Dash cameras are changing the way Australians drive. Oftentimes when motorists see that a car in front of them has a rear camera, they will become more aware of their own driving – sometimes leaving more space between them or reducing their speed to avoid crashes.
Dash cams have also been installed in fleet vehicles across the country to ensure that employees are following company procedures and safe practices while they are out and about on the road. Some modern dash cams also come with a GPS system so that employers can monitor their location and speed.
Here at Warp Group, safety is always our number one priority. We help to manage risks that may arise from traffic movements at workplaces and are always here to help educate workers, vehicle operators, pedestrians and others that may be within or around the worksite. Contact us today or click here to learn more about our traffic control services.
