Introduction
The question which is to be discussed today is, why don’t cars have dash cameras from the factory. This article will explain the difference between production and design and why cars don’t come with dash cameras from the factory. In doing so, this article will also give a brief description of the history and design of dash cameras.
Short History of Dash Cameras
The first known use of dash cameras was during the 1930s when they were used to record accidents. The main purpose for using these dash cams was to help to obtain more information about the accident, such as witnesses, locations etc. The technology was not advanced enough at that time to include wireless transmission. Therefore this kind of equipment had to be connected and plugged into a radio microphone by means of wires. In the 1970s, dash cameras became popular and were being used in different types of vehicles. At this time, it started to become popular to use dash cameras in racing cars and go-karts.
Dash cameras are now getting more commonly known and used by many people; in fact, the popularity of these cameras has become so high that police officers are also using them for their vehicles. This is because dash cams have been shown to be useful in capturing evidence of accidents that would be more difficult to record when the accident actually happens.
Car Industry
The car industry is divided into three main categories; design, production and sales. Each of these categories is vital to the success of the automobile business. Each has its functions to support the other, to serve the public and meet their demands. Designers are responsible for creating conceptual designs that aim at upgrading cars with features that will keep them up with time. Producers are responsible for making cars of good quality and in high quantities to meet the demands of their consumers. Salespeople are responsible for selling the products to dealers who will then sell them to the user.
Who Set the Safety Requirements?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is responsible for setting these requirements. NHTSA’s role is to ensure that cars are safe for the public to use and are produced in high quantities.
Dash Cameras
Car dash cameras are small devices that you can place on your car’s dashboard to capture important footage of your vehicle. Some car dash cameras have motion sensor technology that starts recording only when something happens; others have a manual operation.
Benefits of Car Dash Cams
1. Motorists can use car dash cams to monitor the driving habits of their employees or family members. This will ensure that your loved ones are not driving recklessly.
2. Dash cams are useful in capturing footage of accidents that would be difficult to record when they actually happen. These cameras can also record footage of arrests or other important situations that occur at homes or offices.
3. Car dashcam footage can be used as a form of evidence by motorists during insurance claims and legal proceedings.
4. Car dash cams can help police apprehend criminals when they commit crimes and help solve liability issues after a car wreck or accident.
5. Car dash cams can help your family or friends avoid criminal charges as they drive in your car.
Why Aren’t Dash Cameras Included In The Cars In The Factory?
The car industry is one of the most competitive industries in the world. The technology in this industry is constantly improving, which results in products that are more beneficial to consumers. In showrooms, cars come with various features from electronics to leather interiors, but no one can deny that a dashboard camera is an essential feature for any vehicle. That’s why it appears pretty strange that car companies are still using old methods when it comes to their new models, which include dash cams in their design.
However, there are certain limitations for car companies to include dash cams as their primary featured product:
1. Extremely Expensive
Cost is one of the main factors that car companies must consider prior to each new model they are about to make. Dashcams would be a big expense for every production line as they take a lot of space and raw materials as well. Therefore, making dash cams part of the design of a car would mean wasting valuable resources.
2. Aesthetic Issues
Another limitation for car companies to include dash cams as part of the design is its unattractiveness. The installation and integration of these cameras into the design could result in a singular style for every vehicle, ending up being unattractive to many consumers.
3. Security Breach
Another possible reason why dash cams aren’t included in cars in the factory is that they get hacked. Many car makers are concerned with security issues. A dashboard camera has an installed microphone that can record conversations in the car; that’s why it is more vulnerable to hacking than other cameras.
4. Standards
There is a certain standard in the car industry regarding the dashboard, and every car model should meet this standard. Although dashcams are useful to consumers, they usually cause problems in other functions of the car, including airbags and audio controls.
5. Invasion Of Privacy
Many people are concerned with the issue of privacy invasion. Dashboard cameras can be installed in cars due to safety reasons, but they can also be used for invasive purposes. This has already been proven as there have been cases in which car owners have been charged with invasion of privacy through these cameras. The use of these cameras is not regulated. That’s why many carmakers do not consider them.
Disadvantages of Dashcams
There are a few disadvantages to having a dash camera in your car.
1. Space Restriction
Dashcams have a small size, but they have to be placed in an area where they can capture videos. This doesn’t leave much space for other electronics that may be necessary for the driver.
2. Consumer Preferences
Most consumers would rather buy a car with better equipment at the factory. Many drivers would prefer to buy dashcams separately instead of having them in their cars from the beginning. Dashcams are not necessary and can be added afterward.
3. Discreetness
These cameras make cars look more stylish, but they also make car owners more likely to get robbed. Dashboard cameras are usually small and can be noticed by criminals or thieves. In addition, there are dash cameras on the market that prevent air intake and emission control systems from working correctly; this presents a high likelihood of adverse effects on several safety systems such as brakes, steering, etc.
4. Audio System Interference
If you want to have a conversation in the car with your passengers, these cameras will record it. Some dash cams are equipped with microphones that can be turned off from the menu, but this is not standard in the industry as you might miss out on information while driving.
5. Problems Recording While Driving
Driving with these cameras installed can cause you more problems than just the lack of safety. Dashcams are very sensitive and can record everything that is going on in the car. If you are trying to talk and send a text simultaneously, it will be recorded by the camera. Many people who installed these cameras have received tickets for distracted driving.
6. They are not Compatible with Some Apps
Many dashcam apps have problems working with certain devices, which is one more disadvantage to owning a dash camera. Some of these applications won’t work with the particular firmware of your car or dashcam. To avoid this problem, make sure to check if the app has compatibility issues.
Popular Dashcams for Cars
You can see the list of the top 10 best dashboard cameras on the market:
1. A118C DashCam
This cam comes with a 2.7-inch LCD screen, and it records at 1080p resolution. The device is equipped with a loop recording, and it offers motion detection, high-speed recording, GPS logging, and G-sensor. It has a nighttime vision of up to 32ft. The cam comes with a microphone that can be adjusted to suit the setting.
2. Mio MiVue 658 DashCam
This device offers a wide-angle 170-degree lens, and it can record at 1080p resolution. It has a parking mode that is designed to lock the video files for safety. The cam also detects the crash impact and comes with a dashcam app that allows you to control and review the recording. It comes with a 3-axis G sensor which saves important information in case of an accident.
3. Zmodo Zviz DashCam
This camera instills an HD 1080P resolution that records in real-time and can record up to 16GB of storage. It comes with an OLED screen and a microphone, and it supports GPS tracking. The device comes with an easy-to-use interface for video playback, recording, and deletion. It also has a 140-degree wide-angle lens and can use a micro SD card of up to 32 GB.
Should All New Cars Come With Dashcams?
Many experts say that all cars should come with dashcams. They believe that dashboard cameras are essential to protect drivers against physical and verbal threats. It’s also interesting to know about the new legislation on car safety, which says that every car must have at least a rear-view camera. Despite being an essential device, few cars actually offer this feature. Some of the most popular brands that have these devices are Volvo and BMW.
Dashcams are a significant safety device in today’s vehicles. They are used to record evidence of traffic violations, as well as accidents, and people can use them to record the driver’s behavior. Sometimes a driver may not be at fault in an accident, but a dashcam can help to prove their innocence.
Car manufacturers have not considered this even though it’s something that they can install easily. Furthermore, many road death accidents are caused by human error, making these cameras an essential safety device.
Dash Cams In The Future
As technology advances, many new features can be expected to appear in the future. Dash cameras can be added to the automobile’s computer system to eliminate collisions and road rage on the road.
It’s possible for dashcams to use satellite position information. The device could tell the driver where he is and what routes to follow. Furthermore, it can be used by law enforcement agencies to identify drivers who are involved in accidents or traffic violations.
The user-friendly interface and computer integration will help drivers drive safely without any obstacles, and it will also reduce car insurance costs. Presently, dashcams don’t allow buyers to take advantage of driver assistance systems already included in cars.
Conclusion
With several benefits of car dash cameras, it is not surprising that they are now becoming trendy. Many car owners are installing them in cars and reporting how much they have changed their life for the better. Dashboard cameras help law enforcement officials, can be used to resolve liability issues in an accident, and have aided millions of drivers in proving that they were not to blame for any accidents in which they may have been involved.
FAQs
Q. Are car dash cameras legal?
A. Yes, car dash cameras are legal when used to record your vehicle. However, they are illegal to record other people’s vehicles and properties.
Q. Can I use my mobile/tablet as the dash camera?
A. Yes, you can use your mobile/tablet as the dash camera. You can download apps that will assist you in doing so.
Q. How long does the battery last?
A. Most car dash cameras come equipped with a removable battery that can last for up to 2 hours or more depending on the model and quality. Some devices are designed to automatically record when they detect movement and stop once it is out of range which helps in saving battery power.
Q. What is the best dashcam for new cars?
A. We recommend A118C DashCam. This camera by A118C offers an easy-to-use interface and functions that can be controlled via an app. It has a wide-angle lens of 170° that captures the entire scene with excellent video quality and vivid digital images. The device is also equipped with a loop record, and the G-Sensor automatically saves important information in case of an accident.