Dash Cams in Australia. A new trend with Australian Motorists

A Growing Trend

More Australians are having dash cams installed in their vehicles, and a growing number of motorists indicate that owning a dash cam is something that they support and would like to have themselves in their motor vehicles.

A dash cam is a device that is planted either on the dashboard or on the inner windshield of a vehicle in-order-to record all events in front of the car whilst driving.

Some are even left on when the driver is not present.

This is of great importance to a growing number of Australians because of the rising trends in automobile accidents, road rage and other incidents experienced behind the wheel.

Many Australians want one installed to record all these events to be sure that they have evidence to be used for insurance purposes or criminal charges.

Fears of Road Rage

One significant reason motorists have dash cams installed in their cars, is to record events of road rage and ultimately to ward off any potential threats they may face on the road.

Road rage occurs when an angry driver lets their emotions get the better of them, leading to erratic, aggressive behaviour and driving in an aggressive manner.

Road rage has been the cause of many accidents, assaults and catastrophes to a-number-of Australians, in recent years.

It is not uncommon for one caught up in the storm of road rage to exit their vehicle and attempt to assault another driver.

Sometimes these assaults end in the loss of life or hospitalisation.

News.com.au describes road rage as “highway terrorism” and says that there have been incidents where guns and other weapons have been used on victims.

 The outcome is devastating at times.

Without a dash cam to record the assaults, victims are left in confusion about the perpetrator. If there is a lack of evidence of who committed the assault, there is no one to arrest and justice cannot be served.

The Herald Sun reports that more units are being sold in Australia now, than at any time previously.

Many of those interviewed cite road rage as a major concern and is the main reason for purchasing a camera to install in their car.

There is also a fear of break-ins happening without finding the suspect, a fear which is being quelled with the installation of a camera in the car to monitor what happens when the owner is not in the car.

Insuring Fairness

When a traffic accident occurs, a driver is often in a state of shock. Accidents happen suddenly and the exact order of events are many times forgotten or confused. This can lead to a difficulty in assessing the best outcome for those involved in the accident.

Lawsuits and unfair payments are not uncommon when events are not clear.

Having a dash cam installed, prevents the likelihood of insurance scams.

Police are now recommending that dash cams are installed because of the “visual evidence” that may be provided in the unfortunate circumstance that an accident happens.

Some in the police force are even going as far to say that the level of driving will improve tremendously with more dash cams being utilised, because drivers will not be able to commit insurance fraud and get away with it.

A Growing Community

There is a growing interest and online community surrounding vehicle dash cams.

In one Facebook group members have been posting videos that they captured themselves showing a wide variety of events, including road rage to tragedies.

The popularity of the page has been taking off the past couple of years as more and more Australian drivers are installing dash cams, to ultimately protect themselves.

Firstly, the drivers are finding a place to share their own footage as well as view what others have recorded. This leads to a greater understanding of the dangers of the road. It also brings about ample discussion on the issues facing drivers each day in Australia.

Secondly, members of the Facebook group are educating each other on how to notice signs of road rage and erratic driving.

They have an open forum to discuss ways to deal with dangerous drivers. This leads to a better understanding of safe driving procedures.

Thirdly, the group is a place where drivers may ask for assistance in tracking down dangerous drivers, insurance scammers or hit-and-run perpetrators.

Without such a resource, many Australians would be left alone in a state of helplessness after an incident. It is at this point where affected or traumatised motorists should seek the advice of a highly skilled and reputable Traffic Lawyer, so they can discuss how they should move forward.

The benefits of having a dash cam are being discussed and explored every day. This movement is growing and will soon be a much more common discussion amongst drivers on Australian roads.

If you have been the victim or a road rage attack or alternatively if you have been responsible for an attack on a motorist and require legal representation, then you can speak to Benjamin Leonardo, who are Traffic Defence & Criminal Lawyers in Sydney. Benjamin Leonardo have offices in Sydney and Parramatta and are conveniently located near the local and district courts. They understand the strain Traffic, driving and violent offence cases have on their clients and families alike, and provide sympathetic and non-judgemental advice and support to their clients. Having defended more than 3,800 cases and with a success rate of over 90%, Benjamin Leonardo Traffic Solicitors in Sydney & Parramatta, provide their clients with informed legal advice and flexible payment terms. If you have been charged with a traffic offence, please contact Benjamin Leonardo on (02) 9283 3033, for your first Consultation.