8 Things You Didn't Know Your Dash Camera Could Do

A dash camera has evolved far beyond its original purpose (of recording footage on the road) and is now widely used by drivers as a safety feature.

According to recent statistics, nearly 10% to 18% of drivers in the US use a dashcam. 

Now, I want you to imagine driving down the highway, admiring the surroundings, when suddenly - out of nowhere! – another vehicle pulls up and cuts you off.

Terrifying, Right? You quickly slam on the brakes to avoid a collision. Despite your narrow escape from injury, the other driver insists you were at fault.

Now you're in a he-said-she-said situation, with no way to prove your innocence. This is where your dash camera can save your life.

Besides capturing erratic drivers, your handy dash camera has a whole bag of hidden features that we are about to reveal.

Let’s get started.

Dash Cameras Minimize Traffic Troubles

You think your driving skills are impeccable?

Even cautious drivers can encounter unexpected hazards.

The truth is, roads can be a jungle sometimes. Between reckless drivers and unforeseen wildlife, staying safe can seem like a game of chance.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2022 alone, more than 6.7 million crashes were reported to police in the United States.

Once considered a niche gadget, dash cameras have become a powerful tool with many features beyond basic recording which most users are unaware of.

Here are 8 hidden dash cam features you didn't know existed.

#1. Dual Lens Recording - Security Inside Out

Modern & advanced dash cams today come with a dual-lens recording feature that lets users capture both the road ahead and the vehicle's interior.

This is extremely useful for a variety of users:

• Rideshare Drivers:Enhanced safety with a record of activities inside the vehicle for both drivers and passengers.

• Parents:Encourage safe driving practices among teenage drivers by monitoring their behavior behind the wheel.

• Fleet Managers:Track driving habits and ensure proper usage of company vehicles.
• Personal Vehicles: Capture evidence inside the vehicle in case of an accident or vandalism.

#2. Parking Surveillance Mode - Park With Confidence

Picture this, you park your car outside a crowded mall, nestled between two gigantic SUVs.

Hours later, you return to a fresh dent or scratch on your car door with no witness or culprit – just the infuriating brutality of parking lot perils.

This is where your dash camera's Parking Mode swoops in to save the day.

More than just a recording feature; this feature keeps a watchful eye on your parked car, even when you're not around.

#3. LDWS & FCWS Systems - Stay Alert & Avoid Collisions

We've all been there – the moment when fatigue sets in on a long drive, and you drift a little too close to the lane divider.  These lapses in focus can be dangerous, especially at highway speeds.

Fortunately, modern dash cams come with built-in safety features to keep you alert and informed while driving:

• Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS): This system detects lane markings using a camera. The LDWS will trigger an audio or visual alert if you unintentionally drift out of your lane without signaling.

• Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS): This system uses the camera or sensor to detect the distance and closing speed of the vehicle ahead. The FCWS will issue an alert if you are approaching too quickly, allowing you to react and avoid a collision.

#4. Built-in GPS - Track Journey

Dash cams with built-in GPS feature valuable options that enhance recording quality.

GPS automatically tracks your vehicle's location and speed as you drive. Overlaying this data on your recorded footage can reveal where and how fast you were moving.

This feature also helps drivers retrace their routes and analyze their driving habits. Moreover, if you are subject to a speeding citation or dispute, this proves your speed accurately.

#5. Voice Control - For Safe Operation

High-end dash cameras often come equipped with voice control, allowing you to control the camera using voice commands hands-free.

You can:

• Start and Stop Recordings:Capture key moments quickly and easily without button fumbling.

• Take Photos:Capture a still image of a scene without taking your eyes off the road.
• Turn Audio On/Off: Enable or disable audio recording to protect your privacy or prevent unwanted background noise from being captured.

#6. Emergency Locking - Safety In Case of an Accident

Dash cams equipped with G-sensors have tiny accelerometers capable of detecting sudden changes in motion.

Emergency Locking is triggered whenever the G-sensor detects a potential impact. Locked files cannot be deleted unless the user manually removes them.

This added measure ensures you don't accidentally erase evidence after an accident.

#7. Time-Lapse Recording - Capture Your Journeys

Your dashcam could be more than just capturing the accident scene. Check if your dashcam has this fun and functional feature named “Time-lapse Recording”.

Use this feature to document your day, track your progress, or just capture the beauty of your surroundings. Imagine capturing a time-lapse video showcasing the scenery shifts on a long road trip or a fast-forwarded montage of your daily commute.

This way you can turn your hours of footage into a short, shareable video detailing what made your trip memorable.

#8. Remote Viewing - Stay Connected On The Go

Connect your car dash cam to your smartphone via a dedicated app – if it supports WiFi.

Among the benefits are:

Remote Viewing: Check in on your parked car remotely using your smartphone.

Download Footage On The Spot: No need to wait until you're back at your car. With remote viewing, it’s easy to download the recorded footage directly to your smartphone for immediate viewing or sharing.

Conclusion

These days, dash cameras go beyond simply recording driving footage. Their versatile features make them a valuable asset in strengthening vehicle security, safety, and peace of mind. Discover and utilize these lesser-known capabilities to get the best out of your dash camera.

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