What is a Dash Cam?

What is a dash cam?

A dash cam is an onboard recording camera that is usually mounted inside a car/truck windshield. 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 which one fits your needs. Here are a few examples of the different types of dash cameras 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 CM32 captures both everything that is happening in front of the vehicle as well as what is going on in the cab. These cameras are great for detecting and reducing high-risk behaviours like distracted driving.

2. Front-facing dash cam: A front-facing dash cam is a windshield-mounted camera with only one lens facing outward towards the front of a vehicle. A front-facing dash cam like the Samsara CM31 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 preventing blind spots, preventing false claims, and resolving disputes of fault. These may also be used as external security cameras for the vehicle.

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.

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 footage can prove to be the difference in an accident and court. 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 vehicles while they are not around. Whether it is an accidental door scratch or vandalism, security cameras help to prevent and deter vehicle damage and theft. 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 and clear up any ambiguity in an accident.

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. This footage serves as the witness to the at-fault party if they decide to take off after noticing there's no one around to catch them.

5. Driver security: Protecting the driver is one of the many purposes a dash camera is well suited to provide. Having the dash cam can help prevent an accident from escalating to a dangerous situation for the driver. In most cases having the camera showing on the windshield can protect the driver.