Unfortunately, car accidents and other road incidents happen. In fact, data shows there were 19,777 vehicle collisions in Ottawa alone in 2024. These accidents are one of the main reasons more and more drivers are deciding to install dash cams. In this article, we will take a look at what dash cams are, the different types available, and how they protect drivers on the road.
What Are Dash Cams?
Dash cams are video cameras that drivers place on the windshield or dashboard of their vehicles. They record events happening around the vehicle. Data shows that about 11% of drivers in Canada have dash cams installed in their vehicles, and the market for these cameras only continues to grow.
Dash Cams: Protect Yourself
Dash cams make the driving experience safer for drivers in a number of different ways. For example, data shows that 35% of drivers and Canadians use their dash cams to add an extra layer of protection from fraud. In the case that an accident occurs and the other driver has caused the accident, these cameras allow drivers to capture unexpected accidents and prove that they were not in the wrong.
Data also shows that evidence captured by these dash cams can help drivers get insurance claims settlements over two weeks faster compared to those without dash cams. Another common reason that drivers use dash cams is to improve their sight around their vehicle. These cameras can come with screens that drivers inside the car can also view in real time. Some of these cameras also come with motion detectors that will notify the driver when another vehicle is too close. This can be helpful both on the road and while parking.
Some cameras also come with additional features to help with the driving experience, such as GPS, night vision, or parking assistance lines for when the car is in reverse
Types of Dash Cams
The dash cam market has been growing for a while. There are many different kinds of dash cams drivers can choose to install in their vehicles.
Single Channel Dash Cam
Single-channel dash cams are the most basic type of dash cam you can get. As the name suggests, these only use one camera. These cameras are usually attached to the vehicle’s windshield to record the view from the front seat of the car.
Dual Channel Dash Cam
Dual-channel dash cams use two cameras to record both what is going on in front and behind the vehicle. These cameras usually require a little more storage and power to run.
Rear View Mirror Cameras
Rear-view mirror cameras are a more discreet type of dash cam. They are placed on the rear-view mirrors of the vehicle and usually feed into a larger screen that can be viewed as you are driving.
4K Dash Cams
Standard dash cams are usually in HD. 4K models offer a much clearer picture that is good for picking out details such as the license plate numbers of other vehicles. They also provide better visibility during nighttime or other dark road conditions.
360-Degree Dash Cams
360-degree dash cams have lenses that allow drivers to get video from all sides of their vehicle. These cameras have the most video coverage and often come in high-quality recording picture options.
Battery-Powered Dash Cams
Many dash cams work off the battery supply of the vehicle. However, there are some battery-powered dash cams that run off of a separate internal battery. These cameras can still record even when the vehicle isn’t running, but they are usually more expensive and have more limited recording time. These types of cameras typically use either a lithium-ion battery or a capacitor battery.
Keep Yourself Covered on the Road
Dash cams are a great way to make any vehicle safer to operate and easier to protect in the case of an unexpected accident. Contact AutoTrendz in Ottawa today to learn more about your dash cam options and equip yourself with that added layer of protection.
