What is a dash cam?

What is a dash cam?

A dash cam is an on-board recording camera that is usually mounted inside of a car or truck windshield, often with a suction cup. The dash cam can record video and audio while a vehicle is both in motion and parked.

What are the different types of dash cams?

With many different brands, models, and types of dash cams, it can be confusing to understand the best dash cam to fit your needs. Here are a few examples of the different types of dash cameras that are available:

1. Dual-facing dash cam: A dual-facing dash cam is a windshield-mounted camera with lenses facing both inward and outward. A dual-facing dash cam, like the Samsara Dual-Facing AI Dash Cam, works by capturing everything that is happening in front of the vehicle as well as what is going on in the cab. These high-quality, full HD cameras are great for detecting and reducing high-risk behaviors like distracted driving.

2. Front-facing dash cam: A front-facing dash cam is a windscreen-mounted camera with only one lens facing outward towards the front of a vehicle. A front-facing dash cam like the Samsara Front-Facing AI Dash Cam is well suited to capture events happening in front of the vehicle. This footage can help determine fault in an accident, exonerate drivers, and clear up insurance claims.

3. Side and rear cameras: Side and rear cameras are externally-mounted camera systems that give your vehicle a 360-degree view of the surrounding area. These cameras are great for eliminating blind spots, preventing false claims, and resolving disputes of fault. Additionally, with parking mode, they can function as external security cameras, recording incidents even when the vehicle is parked, enhancing safety and surveillance.

4. Security/interior cameras: Security cameras are interior and exterior-mounted cameras used for protecting the vehicle. These cameras are great for preventing theft, vandalism, and protecting passengers from danger. Security cameras are also used for resolving disputes of asset loss, and if an incident occurs, their footage can provide law enforcement with crucial evidence to support investigations and ensure accountability.

Why does your fleet need dash cams?

There are a few reasons why you would want to outfit your fleet with the latest dash cameras:

1. Reliable evidence in the event of an accident: In the unfortunate occurrence of an accident, dash cameras provide drivers with the necessary evidence to prove insurance claims and exonerate themselves. This dash cam video can be crucial in determining fault, helping both drivers and insurance companies assess incidents accurately. It can also make a significant difference in accident investigations—helping police officers quickly determine who was at fault—and court cases. Learn more about how Samsara AI Dash Cams can provide the necessary evidence to protect your fleet today.

2. Protecting against theft: Security cameras help drivers see what is happening to their vehicle while they are not present. A dash cam records crucial footage, acting as a powerful deterrent against vandalism, theft, and accidental damage by capturing incidents in real time and increasing security awareness. See how to protect your fleet vehicles and assets with Samsara today.

3. Exonerating drivers from insurance fraud: With insurance fraud becoming more and more common, it can be hard to prevent false claims without solid evidence. Dash cameras are perfect for capturing the footage needed to exonerate drivers, resolve any ambiguity in an accident, and offer peace of mind knowing there’s reliable proof when it matters most. Learn how Samsara can protect you today.

4. Preventing hit and runs: Dash cams paired with an external rear and side-mounted camera system make the perfect tool for capturing footage of potential "hit and run" situations. Some even offer safety features like night vision, capturing clear footage in low-light conditions to help identify the at-fault party. If they attempt to flee unnoticed, the video recording acts as a crucial witness, providing evidence even in their absence.

5. Driver security: Protecting the driver is one of the many purposes a dash camera is well suited to provide. A dash cam mounted near the rear view mirror provides visibility while recording crucial footage, which can be stored either in cloud storage or on an SD card for later review. Having the dash cam can help prevent an accident from escalating to a dangerous situation for the driver. Moreover, dash cams can also capture road rage incidents, providing proof for law enforcement as to who was at fault. In most cases like these, having the camera showing in the windshield can protect the driver.

Get a free trial of Samsara AI Dash Cams

Samsara AI dash cams are trusted by thousands of fleets across the country, including Emery Sapp & Sons, who saw a 40% year-over-year drop in DOT-reportable incidents after partnering with Samsara to improve safety within their fleet. 

Try before you buy. Request a free trial of Samsara dash cams today and put your fleet on the road to a safer future.

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