Dashboard cameras, or dashcams, are popular for recording evidence in accidents, and for improving road safety. However, they also raise concerns about privacy and driver distraction.

With the advent of technology, the adoption of dashcams has become widespread worldwide. While they once cost a small fortune, today they can be easily purchased online for less than $50 and installed effortlessly. Given the low cost and easy accessibility, and the rise of roadside scams and traffic incidents in Singapore, it seems like a straightforward decision for vehicle owners to install a dashcam. But should they?

Pros of Dashcams

Dashcams are a boon and also a bane to driving. Let’s look at some advantages of having a dashcam installed in-vehicle.

Proof of Evidence

One of the main reasons why drivers purchase dashcams is to provide evidence in the event of an accident. With dashcam evidence, the driver that caused the accident can be easily held accountable for costs and repairs and in worse cases, be meted a fine in court. Dashcam footage is crucial in helping authorities accurately determine fault. It will also aid in expediting the usually lengthy insurance claims process.

Prevent Fraud

In recent years, there have been many cases of attempted fraud by scammers staging accidents, in which they ask for monetary compensation from drivers to prevent escalation. Luckily, thanks to dashcams, these fraudsters’ games are up, since the video footage provides plenty of evidence showing that the ‘accident’ was a setup.

Deterrence of Bad Driving Behaviour

The awareness that the dashcam is recording your actions can prevent you from engaging in reckless behaviour. Overall, this can lead to more responsible driving, which promotes a safer road environment. On a larger scale, knowing that other motorists have dashcams also deters bad driving behaviour, as drivers may fear their misconduct being caught on camera.

Lowered Insurance Premiums

Some insurance providers discount car insurance premiums if the car is equipped with a dashcam. While this is more of an exception than the rule, it is a point scored for the pro-dashcam camp.

Crime Prevention and Security

Besides deterring bad driving, dashcams can also help prevent crime. Many dashcams offer 24/7 recording, even when the vehicle is parked. These ‘silent witnesses’ can capture crucial visual evidence if a crime occurs in the vicinity and help authorities trace the suspect’s footsteps.

Cons of Dashcams

The bane of dashcams have naysayers applauding, though they are in the minority amongst vehicle owners.

Privacy Concerns

One of the main objections to dashcams is the issue of privacy. There is a potential risk of misuse of the footage, including capturing innocent pedestrians and other motorists in the background without their consent. Owners of dashcam footage must be responsible for their behaviour on the use of these videos.

In Singapore, the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) states both the rights of individuals to collect data and the needs of organisations to use or disclose personal data for legitimate purposes. If you come across any unauthorised uploads or use of your images online, you can voice your concerns to the Personal Data Protection Commission, the agency that administers the PDPA, to seek an amicable resolution.

Distraction Potential

There is a risk that drivers might become distracted by their dashcam, especially if the device has a visible screen displaying the live feed. This could ironically cause the driver to momentarily lose focus on the road, leading to unsafe driving.

In the latest Singapore Police Force’s 2023 road traffic statistics, the number of fatalities in accidents had gone up from 104 in 2022 to 131 in 2023. Most probably these motorists were distracted resulting in accidents, though there are no statistics on dashcam distraction, it is still a sombre thought to not be distracted by dashcams, amongst other distractions.

The debate over whether to make dashcams compulsory in Singapore involves weighing significant safety and security benefits against privacy concerns and potential costs. Private hire vehicles and taxis can install inward dashcams for security but it is not compulsory. While dashcams can undoubtedly enhance road safety and provide valuable evidence, strict frameworks will need to be developed for the mandate to be enforced effectively.

Some dashcams may drain the car’s battery if it is recording all the time, even when parked. A feature of dashcams is the ‘parking mode’, which is continuous recording when the vehicle is parked. Usually in parking mode, dashcams only record when there is motion detected or the vehicle is impacted, reducing the drain on the battery.

Another option is to install external batteries, so that when parked, the dashcam only uses power from them and not from the vehicular battery.

A third option is to hardwire dashcams to the fuse panel, bypassing the cigarette lighter socket. By drawing power directly from the battery, the dashcam will automatically turn off when the battery voltage drops too low to prevent it from draining. Ensure that the dashcam’s threshold voltage is higher than the minimal requirement for your vehicle to start.

In Conclusion

To prevent vehicular battery from draining from continuous dashcam use, drive your vehicle regularly! The battery is being charged as you drive, and this is a good way to keep the battery charged all the time to power your dashcam. Know your dashcam’s features and operations well, and manage it properly to eke out it’s best performance without draining the battery’s power.