How Dashcams Can Be a Lifesaver in Winter

Winter means staying cozy at home and enjoying hot coffee. Who doesn't love that? 

Sooner or later, you'll have to leave that comfort behind with no choice but to brave the winter madness. Winter road conditions bring a lot of challenges – from reduced visibility to slippery surfaces that make every trip a potential hazard.

While you can prepare your car for winter with snow tires and antifreeze, ensuring complete safety on ice-laden roads is almost impossible. 

A dashcam becomes an absolute necessity in conditions where vehicles are skidding everywhere you go and it's just plain unsafe for everyone. 

One might wonder what difference a dashcam would make in such situations – after all, a dashcam cannot prevent a bus from skidding towards a vehicle. 

While this is true, a dashcam will help you record a shred of video evidence to prove what exactly happened that day. 

As per Forbes statistics, 20% of insurance claims are fraudulent and insurance fraud is a federal crime, which is investigated by federal law enforcement under the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. 

Moreover, the winter weather contributes to 562,182 car accidents each year in the U.S. alone. This emphasizes the need for caution and safety, especially in winter. 

Stick around because, in this guide, we’ll look at how a dashcam could be a lifesaver in harsh winter conditions, discuss its benefits, essential features, and the best tips to ensure its functionality. Let’s dive in. 

Prepare Yourself Before You Hit The Road

Being ready for traveling in the winter is crucial, whether you're taking a winter road trip or going to visit relatives.

Importance of Preparation

The key to road safety is preparation. Check the tires, brakes, and fuel of your car. Keep essentials like food, drink, and blankets on hand in case you get stuck.

Unpredictable English Weather

Unpredictable English weather, especially in autumn and winter, can bring sudden shifts like snow, ice, or intense rain, which can make driving risky. Thus, being ready is necessary.

Understanding Winter Driving Risks

The weather poses a serious risk to driving in winter, with 13% of all U.S. car crashes occurring on icy pavement and 16% on snow-covered or slushy roads. To avoid these dangers, it is essential to understand them. 

Here are some key winter driving risks:

1. Reduced Visibility

Snowstorms, fog, and reduced daylight hours can all make it difficult to see other cars and surroundings.

2. Slippery Roads

There is a greater possibility of sliding and losing control of your car in icy and wet conditions.

3. Unpredictable Weather

Sudden weather changes, like snow flurries or black ice, can surprise drivers and create dangerous situations.

4. Increased Traffic Incidents

Data shows that combining the above factors makes accidents greater during winter.

Winter Driving Tips To Help You Plan Your Trip

Winter driving can be challenging, but proper planning and safety measures can make your trips safer. Here are some helpful tips for planning your trip:

Plan Your Route

You can use Google Maps for navigation, but you should also carry a physical road map for long journeys.

Check Your Vehicle

Before hitting the road, ensure all vehicle parts are in good condition. Check oil, tire pressure, and windscreen fluid to ensure everything is in good condition.

Check The Weather Forecast

Stay updated on weather conditions. Investing in winter tires can greatly improve your safety on slippery roads.

Install Dash Cam

Install a dash cam to record any incidents, providing clear evidence in case of an accident.

Pack Snacks and Water

Keep yourself hydrated and energized with snacks and water, especially for long drives.

Divide The Driving Responsibility

If you have multiple licensed drivers, take turns driving to prevent tiredness and stay focused.

Benefits of Using A Dash Cam In Winter

1. Accident Documentation

Dash cams offer vital evidence in collisions, particularly in icy or foggy conditions.

2. Improved Visibility

Night vision and HD dash cams capture key details in low visibility.

3. Real-time Alerts

Features like speed warnings and collision alerts promote caution on slippery roads.

4. Insurance Claims

Dash cams simplify winter accident claims with quick, accurate evidence.

Features to Look for in Dash Cams for Winter Driving

Below are the features you must look for when purchasing a dash cam;

Low-Light or Night Vision: Ensure clear footage during dark winter days and nights, helping you see what happened in case of an incident.

Wide Dynamic Range (WDR): This feature balances bright and dark areas, making it especially useful during snowstorms or low-visibility conditions.

Loop Recording & Large Storage Capacity: These features ensure continuous recording throughout long winter drives, so you never miss important moments.

Durability and Weather Resistance: Look for dash cams that can withstand freezing temperatures and icy conditions, ensuring they operate reliably.

Built-in GPS: This feature helps track your location, essential for emergencies or road incidents during extreme weather.

Seasonal Dash Cam Maintenance Tips

Regular Cleaning: Keep lenses clear of snow, ice, or dirt for clear footage and optimal performance.

Proper Installation: Make sure your dash cam is securely placed to prevent it from falling during rough road conditions.

Battery Management: Consider parking in a warmer area, as cold temperatures drain dash cam batteries quickly.

Firmware Updates: Update your dash cam software regularly to ensure it performs well in changing winter conditions and supports new features.

How Dash Cams Assist in Emergency Situations

Here are a few ways dash cams can assist in emergencies:

Recording Road Conditions Before an Incident: They capture critical moments, showing how factors like black ice or fog contributed to an accident.

Providing Evidence for Hit-and-Runs: Bad weather raises the risk of hit-and-run incidents. Dash cams can capture these events, aiding in identifying the responsible drivers.

Documenting Nearby Driver Behavior: Dash cams capture reckless winter driving, providing evidence for potential claims.

Hands-Free Operation: Many dash cams operate automatically, letting you focus on driving without the stress of manual recording in winter conditions.

Recommended Dash Cams for Winter Driving

Investing in a reliable dash cam can help you drive with confidence this winter. Here are some recommended dash cams with winter-friendly features:

Firstly, Akeeyo AKY-V360S's 360° mirror dash cam provides a full panoramic HD view (1920P), night vision for low-light clarity, and a super-capacitor for durability in extreme temperatures.

Another one is the Akeeyo 720° Dash Camera, which offers 720° coverage. This camera captures front, side, and rear views to reduce blind spots, and it has advanced night vision for safe winter driving.

You can also go for other brands like Viofo A229 Pro, BlackVue DR970X 4K UHD Dash Cam, and the Thinkware U3000, known for their winter performance.

Conclusion

Dashcams play a crucial role in enhancing winter driving safety. They not only provide footage of accidents but also improve visibility in challenging conditions and offer quick emergency assistance. 

Investing in a quality dashcam can significantly boost your confidence and security during winter months. 

Stay prepared and make a smart choice for your safety!