A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Dash Cam for Your Needs

Over the last few years dashboard cameras (dash cams) have become the must-have accessory for road voyagers. Next, to artificial intelligence, this new device has some hefty pros and cons. If you’re considering getting a dash cam for your next long-haul we have made a list of things for you to think about. Before you press record or invest in a dashcam we want you to make sure it’s the right thing for your truck.

Dash cameras can come in handy and can also lead to tragedy. Knowing the ins and outs of the specific camera you purchase is the most beneficial way to be sure it is right for you and the long-hauls you’ll be making. Hopefully, these basic pros and cons will give you an idea of what to expect from truckers new favorite things.

Pros

There are some obvious pros to dash cams that are changing the game for truckers and one of those would be that it prevents staged accidents. Often times passenger vehicles blame large trucks for accidents that just never happened. It’s easy to play the blame game when there are no witnesses or proof. Statistics say that of the car-truck crashes approximately 80 percent of them were at the fault of passenger vehicles. This number may be increased as more dash cams are installed. Dash cams can save you from a rise in insurance and keep you from being blamed for a staged accident.

Other Pros of Dashcams Include the Following:

Improve Driving Skills

CDL instructors and company freight trainers are beginning to use dashcams to train new drivers and help prevent common mistakes. Dash cams are becoming a new method of learning and are creating a culture of safety on the road. Some dash cams can even store information technology that may assist in the training process. CDL training is slowly improving with the help of gadgets like dash cameras.

Document Your Trip

Being away from family on long-hauls can be extremely tough, but once you come home watching the footage from the dashcam will give you a chance to bond with loved ones.

Prevents Theft

Cargo theft can cost you thousands, but with the use of a dash cam, you can capture the culprits and possibly retrieve the stolen cargo.

Cons

The cons of dash cams are a little lighter than the pros, but there are a few things that should be considered.

Driving Distraction

Dash cams can easily be a distraction. Technology has a mind of its own and while you’re driving something may happen and you feel the urge to fiddle. The combination of fiddling with one hand and using the other to operate a 55,000-pound truck may not end the best way.

Rule Breaking

There are some states where recording without consent is illegal. You may be arrested, charged, or even fined, so making sure you are aware of the laws of each state line you cross will save you from facing some heavy consequences.

The Best of The Best

Here is a list of five to performing and highly rated dashboard cameras truckers across the world are investing in. *In no particular order

• WheelWitness HD PRO Dash Cam with GPS
• Garmin Dash Cam 35
• ITRUE X6D Dual Car Dash Cam pro
• OldShark 3” FHD 1080P 170 Degree Wide Angle Dashboard Camera
• KDLINKS X1 Full-HD 1920 x 1080 165 Degree Wide Angle Dashboard Camera

There are a few features your next dash cam should have that we encourage truckers to use as a checklist.

• Dual Cameras
• Light and Dark Recording Option
• Variety of Range
• Storage Option - Information Technology
• G-Sensor
• GPS