Dash Cams: Good idea or Not

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by DLKeur, Feb 19, 2014.

  1. DLKeur

    DLKeur Light Load Member

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    I've been pro-dash cam since my husband started, but he doesn't seem interested. He's a company driver, if that makes any difference, but the company doesn't have any prohibitions against having a dash cam.

    I want him to have one because I think it would be important in cases of proving him innocent of wrong-doing.

    My question: What are the pros and cons of having a dash cam? In other words, is it advisable or not?
     
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  3. skateboardman

    skateboardman Road Train Member

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    yes it is advisable. its your only way to prove something. like being in your lane if someone claims you cam over on them.


    and remember if it doesn't work in your favor you don't have to tell anyone you recorded.

    but its an excellent idea on how to cover your behind.


    I think if he wont run a dash cam, you need to rethink your relationship with him and possibly consider divorce and leaving such a crazy guy.



    the last sentence was only half serious.
     
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  4. bigdogpile

    bigdogpile Road Train Member

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    Really ? she should divorce him if he dont want a dash cam ? How is it he's crazy because he dont want a dash cam ?
     
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  5. JPenn

    JPenn Road Train Member

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    He's joking. This is the internet, folks, where tongue in cheek humor is mistaken for seriousness.

    And, back on topic. I'd highly recommend a dash cam. Read the reviews and get a good one, not the subpar offerings from the truck stop. GPS imprinting is a plus, though if you're the type to burn the logbook at both ends, a timestamp plus coordinates might incriminate you rather than prove your case.
     
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  6. CargoWahgo

    CargoWahgo Road Train Member

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    Prob too cheap to buy one or finds it a "pain" toplug in & mount.

    Buy and install one for him.
     
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  7. "Hang - Man"

    "Hang - Man" Heavy Load Member

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    Facing outside cam is a tolerable thing for driver and company if you are a fairly safe driver.
    Facing inward at the driver is over and above and if i ever get in an accident with a commercial driver i will immediately tell law enforcement to get the dash cam footage if i am able to.
    And if i am not, i will have my lawyer subpena the footage cause there is no doubt that it will show the professional driver was doing something ever so slight that will work in my favor.
    For the companies that are considering "inward facing cameras": You should really think twice about it because every lawyer in the USA will catch on to what i said above and use it to their advantage.
    My personal opinion is: I wish they would leave you drivers alone and let you do their job.
     
  8. GA_Rookie

    GA_Rookie Medium Load Member

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    He is afraid you might see a recording of the lot lizard walking in to his truck...
     
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  9. fencitup

    fencitup Light Load Member

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    I know you're joking, but...
    You do know said cam faces forward and not back filming the bunk??

    Now, if she comes back on here saying she got him 2 dash cams, you're to blame !
     
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  10. Tonythetruckerdude

    Tonythetruckerdude Crusty Deer Slayer

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    Don't have a dog in this fight...I'm retired , but IMHO...we got along fine without them for decades...really no need for them now. just and opinion , though others mileage may vary...
     
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  11. TomOfTx

    TomOfTx Road Train Member

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    I have been a dash cam user for quite a few years. The pros are how much it can prove in the event of an accident or even if you were stopped for some moving violation, such as speeding, if you are using a dash cam that records speed and location data. The cons are what it can show if you are not driving safe and end up being involved in an accident.

    In May 2011, I was clipped by pick up truck pulling a flat bed trailer. The below video link is from the older dash cam I was using at the time.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJR2m-GhOOk

    I currently use a newer dash cam, a Blackvue DR500GW-HD. Below is a video clip I saved to show how it looks. I have been happy with this model as it has some good features for adjusting the camera and automatically saving video. I also added a customized polarized lens filter to cut down glare when driving into direct sunlight.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOmdjTvx1k4

    I would also recommend using an Android app (for Android based phones or tablets) that works as a dash cam. It is called DailyRoads Voyager. I have it loaded on my Android phone to use as a back up, in case my Blackvue dash cam were to ever stop working. It is a good app to use if you do not want to spend hundreds of dollars extra for a stand alone dash cam.

    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dailyroads.v&hl=en
     
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