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Driving on South African roads has become an extreme sport for many. If you're not dodging potholes or avoiding accidents, you might be dealing with road rage, or even facing the possibility of vehicle theft or vandalism. Given these challenges, the importance of recording incidents becomes increasingly vital. That's precisely where dashcams prove invaluable.
Evidence in the case of a hit-and-run or road incident It is no secret that South Africa has high road accident rates. No matter how careful you are on the road, falling victim is inevitable. It gets worse when the other person claims you were at fault or doesn’t stop to attend to the scene, leaving you with no trace and no chance to lay a charge.
A dashcam will be your most reliable and unbiased eyewitness on the road. With this gadget, you can identify vital details to trace perpetrators of hit-and-run accidents (such as the number plate), and you can prove that you were not at fault.
Reassurance for everyday drivers, families, and business owners Besides identifying criminals and proving innocence, dashcams reassure many parents, guardians, and business owners that everything is well on the road. You can check up on anyone using your car at any time by simply viewing the footage, giving you extra peace of mind.
The real cost savings vs. what it would cost without one
Having a dashcam will only cost you an upfront price or subscription fee, but driving around without one exposes you to greater financial risks. Without video evidence, some repair costs may have to come from your own pocket, as insurance claims can be delayed or denied. You also face increased premiums if found at fault.
Furthermore, if the case cannot be settled through insurance or informal negotiations, it may escalate to legal proceedings, which you will have to pay for. Why go through all that when you can just get an affordable and reliable dashcam?
What makes a dashcam a valuable purchase?
Not every dashcam is worth the purchase. You need to take a few things into consideration before buying one. Here are the 3 essential factors to consider when purchasing your dashcam:
Build quality and durability: A high-quality build on a dashcam supports stable video recording, which is essential in critical situations such as the impact from accidents or capturing road signs and number plates in fast-moving conditions. A robust build also ensures that the camera is not affected by extreme weather conditions, such as when temperatures are too high or too low.
Reliable customer support and warranty: The dashcam you get should be from a company with customer support that is always available. One with good user reviews, proven performance, and a warranty you can count on.
Integration with broader vehicle tracking systems: When a dashcam is integrated with vehicle tracking technology, you not only get clear footage but also detailed context, such as the time, location, speed, and braking. These contributing factors help accurately determine who’s at fault and improve safety.
How do dashcam features impact cost and functionality?
Like any other gadget, advanced features of a dashcam typically come with a higher price tag but also offer added value. Let’s have a look at some of these features:
Video quality – Dashcams with higher resolutions usually come at a slightly higher price point, but they offer advanced video quality that makes it easier to identify finer details, such as people’s faces from a distance or a license plate.
Low-light performance – Not all vehicle-mounted cameras perform well when there is little or no light, such as during the nighttime or when a vehicle enters a tunnel.
Field of view (FOV) – This refers to how much of the road and surroundings the camera can see. It is measured in degrees and traditionally divided into three categories: narrow, standard, and wide. Wide-angle lenses usually offer better road coverage.
Storage options – Most dashcams use microSD cards; some offer cloud storage, while others can do both. Just like the smartphones we carry, cloud storage requirements usually come with a subscription fee, and the price of a memory card depends on the capacity and endurance.
Comparing dashcam types and power options
Dashcams come in various shapes and setups, with each type offering a different experience. Here is a brief overview of the key differences:
Single Channel vs Dual Channel A single-channel dashcam only gives you a view of what is happening in front of the camera. A dual-channel dashcam, on the other hand, has two cameras in one unit, covering the road, inside the vehicle, and a bit of the rear end.
Wired vs wireless This refers to the power source and installation preferences. Wired cameras require a direct power source, such as the fuse box or cigarette lighter, while the wireless ones are battery-powered and require USB charging. A wireless dashcam usually has lower video quality and a limited battery life, making a wired one the safer and more reliable option.
Basic vs smart dashcams The core function of a dashcam is to record the road ahead and certain parts of the interior or rear end. However, nowadays, dashcams are integrated with smart technology that allows more than that. Basic dashcam models often do not include features such as GPS, integration with mobile apps, Wi-Fi connectivity, driver alerts and audio.
Road vision The Cartrack Road Vision camera solution specially caters to those who mainly want the focus to be on the road. It is a single-channel dashcam that captures everything happening in front of you while you drive, ensuring you have enough evidence to protect yourself if need be.
Dual vision As the name suggests, Cartrack’s Dual Vision camera is one that gives you a full view of what's happening in front of the vehicle and inside the vehicle and certain parts of the rear end. Offering a more complete view and giving you stronger evidence for accidents and insurance claims.
Why Cartrack dashcams are a smart investment?
Dashcams are an essential safety tool in modern driving, and obtaining one from Cartrack ensures that you receive reliable service, a high-quality product, and value for money. We always strive to give you the best technology out there for your vehicle at an affordable price point. Make sure you contact us today and get yourself an extra set of eyes on the road.
FAQs about dashcams in South Africa
Q: Do dashcams drain your car battery?
A: Dashcams typically don’t drain the battery unless left on while the car is off. If you have a dashcam with a parking mode option, it might be the source of battery drainage.
Q: Should I remove my dashcam at night?
A: No. Removing your dashcam at night interferes with how it was initially installed and my affect performance as the angle might not exactly be the same.
Q: Do I need to inform my insurer I have one?
A: Yes. If you have a hardwired dashcam, it is best that you inform your insurer to avoid warranty voids. Insurers usually require notifications of vehicle modifications, which include the installation of a dashcam.
Q: Is a dashcam a legal requirement?
A: A dashcam is not a legal requirement in South Africa; however, it is a valuable tool for enhancing safety and saving costs by proving your innocence with the evidence gathered from it.
Not sure if a dashcam is worth the investment? Have a look at this blog and see why every motorist needs one.
