(Photo credit: Paulo Ordoveza/Flickr)
There are red light cameras in traffic lights to help police stop speeding and there are security cameras in many stores or businesses. But is having a camera in your vehicle a good idea?
Dashboard cameras are common in Korea, China, Russia and Eastern Europe and it looks like they are gaining popularity in Canada. Cameras can cost about $50 to $350, but can climb in price if you’re hoping to capture video both ahead and behind your vehicle with a double-lens camera, according to the Vancouver Province.
Cameras have been used as evidence of a crash to show adjusters in Manitoba, a spokesperson with Manitoba Public Insurance told Global News, and they may be considered as evidence in court. They can also be helpful when dealing with auto insurance fraud, the United States’ Insurance Information Institute told Popular Mechanics, which could further improve insurance rates for Ontario drivers.
Earlier this year, a dashcam video shot in Northern Ontario shows a collision between a couple and another driver that entered the highway in front of them. The couple (and the owners of the dashcam) was driving along the Kenora Bypass when a pick-up driver carrying a trailer drove out from a side road to make a left hand turn. The pick-up driver didn’t slow down before making the turn as the couple came to terms with the fact that they going to be involved in a crash. The pick-up driver was originally only charged with failing to yield to traffic, but the video shows that he was talking on his cellphone during the collision. Police are looking into additional charges of distracted driving after viewing the video.
Another dashboard camera video shows the near collision between two semi-trucks northeast of Thunder Bay. The driver of one semi-truck drove onto the opposite lane, where the other semi-truck was traveling, to overtake a snow plow. The owner of the dashboard camera was forced to hit several guard posts, while the driver of the other semi-truck switched back to its lane last minute and continued on its journey. Police were able to use the footage to identity the truck and press charges against the Milton driver, according to the Toronto Star.
While dashboard cameras can be useful, it’s important to mount them appropriately so they don’t obstruct your vision and that they don’t become a distraction when you’re driving.
Cameras can help you capture footage, but they can also ensure that drivers are backing up safely. The United States’ transportation department has recently ruled that all new cars and light trucks will be required to have rear-view cameras installed by 2018.
While technology, such as seatbelts or blind spot monitoring can assist drivers, it’s important that drivers practice good driving habits and stay focused while driving.
Motor vehicle accidents happen and accident benefits are available to anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident regardless of who caused the accident. The personal injury and accident lawyers at Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers have been dealing with all accident related issues throughout Ontario for over 45 years. We know how to get you the compensation that you deserve and get your life back in order after being in a car accident. Call us at 416-920-4242, set up a free consultation, and come speak with us.
Greg Neinstein
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