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What is a dash cam?
Take a look at our in-depth guide to our dash cams, including what they are, how they can be used, and what the future holds for this exciting technology.
Dash cam definition
A dash cam is an onboard camera system designed to record everything that happens on the road and sometimes inside the vehicle. These cameras are typically mounted on the dashboard or windscreen and provide continuous footage, capturing crucial moments that can be used as evidence in case of accidents or disputes.
How do dash cams work?
Our cameras excel at capturing high-quality video, with a high frame rate, ensuring that every incident on the road is recorded accurately, from road conditions to vehicle behaviour. Regardless of the time of day or weather conditions, our vehicle video recording system guarantees crystal-clear footage that can capture a number plate with precision.
Equipped with motion detection, our vehicle camera systems are designed to identify instances of dangerous driving or accidents and automatically start recording. It uses loop recording, meaning old footage is overwritten by new data once the storage is full.
With our vehicle cameras, you can retrieve your video footage even while your vehicles are on the move. Experience exceptional video quality and enhanced functionality. A key feature that sets our Radius telematics range apart from traditional vehicle camera technology is its ability to remotely download video footage. No more trips to the depot to upload data from your SD card or memory card. Simply select the desired date and time, request the footage on your device, and access it from anywhere.
Why dash cams are important
Dash cams play a critical role in modern fleet management, offering benefits such as enhanced safety, protection against false claims, and valuable insights into driver behaviour. By integrating with telematics systems, dash cams provide real-time data on vehicle location, speed, and driving patterns, creating a holistic view of fleet performance.
Types of dash cams
Pros:
- Cost-effective: Single-lens dash cams are generally the most affordable option, making them ideal for smaller fleets or businesses on a budget.
- Simple setup: Installation is straightforward, and these cameras require minimal configuration.
- Basic coverage: Great for recording traffic incidents or accidents that occur in front of the vehicle.
Cons:
- Limited view: Since they only capture footage from the front, they don’t provide any visibility of the interior of the vehicle or the area behind it.
- No interior monitoring: Not suitable for businesses that need to monitor drivers or cargo inside the vehicle.
Best use cases:
- Delivery vans: Ideal for small to medium-sized delivery vehicles where forward-facing coverage is sufficient.
- Passenger cars: Suitable for fleets primarily concerned with capturing external incidents and driving conditions.
Pros:
- Comprehensive coverage: Dual-lens cameras record both the road and the interior, providing more thorough monitoring of vehicle activity.
- Driver and passenger monitoring: These cams are perfect for keeping an eye on driver behaviour or ensuring passenger safety in public transport or ride-share services.
Cons:
- Recording objections: Some drivers may feel uncomfortable being recorded while working, leading to concerns about privacy.
Best Use Cases:
- Commercial trucks: Helpful for recording driver behaviour and ensuring compliance with safety protocols on long-haul trips.
Pros:
- Full 360-degree view: Multi-cam setups capture footage from every angle, leaving no blind spots.
- Complete incident documentation: When an incident occurs, multi-cam systems can record everything, making them ideal for accident investigations.
- Cargo and driver monitoring: Perfect for transporting high-value goods, as they monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and the safety of the cargo inside.
Cons:
- Data management: Multi-cam systems generate more footage, which means storing, and accessing data can become more complex, needing more storage, such as cloud services, and time sorting through footage.
Best use cases:
- Heavy-duty trucks: Long-haul trucking companies monitoring all angles of the vehicle for security.
- Large delivery fleets: Transporting valuable goods or working in high-risk areas where visibility of the entire vehicle is necessary.
Product benefits
Benefits of dash cams
Defend your business against false insurance claims
Use remotely downloaded vehicle camera footage, vehicle GPS tracking and speed information to get a clear picture of any incident.
Improve the safety of your drivers on the road
Detailed information and league tables of driver behaviour, supported with dash cam footage, tachograph and information from CANBus systems give you the complete picture.
Maintain regulatory and compliance requirements of fleets
Our camera systems can help you meet the growing legal demands, ensuring compliance in your operations. With our camera's enhanced functionality you can electronically collect routine vehicle checks and remotely download tachograph data.
Always connected to your vehicles
Wherever you are, laptop, tablet and mobile access to the software allows you to see recorded camera footage while on the go.
Early notification of potential accidents on the road
All our vehicle tracking solutions feature First Notification of Loss (FNOL) alerts. If an incident is suspected, you can quickly review your dash cam footage and notify your insurer.
Reduce your fleet and asset insurance costs
Reduce vehicle wear and tear by improving driving behaviour and using vehicle camera footage as proof of fault for incident management.
Ways businesses utilise dash cams
Delivery fleets
In the fast-paced world of delivery, efficiency and safety are paramount. Dash cams help optimise route planning, reduce fuel consumption, and improve delivery times by monitoring driving patterns. In congested urban areas, they offer protection against false claims and provide footage in case of accidents, ensuring the safety of both drivers and cargo.
Key industries include:
- E-Commerce
- Food & beverage
- Parcel & courier services
- Medical supplies
- Retail
Long-haul trucking
For long-haul trucking, dash cams provide critical security and accountability on long-distance routes. With AI-powered fatigue detection, they help prevent accidents by alerting drivers to take breaks when needed. They also offer valuable insights into route changes and cargo safety, which is crucial for transporting high-value or sensitive goods
Key industries include:
- Freight & logistics
- Oil & gas
- Agriculture
- Manufacturing
- Automotive
Public transport
In public transport, dash cams enhance safety for both drivers and passengers. They help prevent accidents with real-time driver assistance features like collision warnings and lane departure alerts. Whether in buses, taxis, or ride-sharing vehicles, dash cams ensure a safer, more secure experience in high-traffic environments.
Key industries include:
- City transit
- Ride-sharing
- School transport
- Tourism & hospitality
- Private charters
Fleet dash cams
Fleet dash cams are powerful tools designed to improve safety, efficiency, and accountability across your fleet. By capturing real-time video footage, they provide crucial insights into driver behaviour, vehicle performance, and road incidents. Whether you're managing delivery trucks, long-haul transport, or public transport, dash cams help reduce accidents, lower costs, and protect your drivers and assets.
Statistics
Cut costs with dash cams
At Radius we know how important it is to save expenses and increase your ROI, by installing dash cams you can save up to 25% on insurance premiums. The installation of dash cams aligns to a 62% overall reduction in claim costs, an 80% reduction in pedestrian-related claims, and a 55% reduction in hit-by-third-party claims.
Cost breakdown for common incidents (without vs. with dash cam)
- Hit third party cyclist: £7,764 without dash cam, £2,746 with dash cam.
- Hit third party in rear: £4,062 without dash cam, £8,140 with dash cam.
- Hit third party at roundabout: £6,249 without dash cam, £2,775 with dash cam.
- Hit third party pedestrian: £9,265 without dash cam, £1,805 with dash cam.
- Hit third party reversing: £4,625 without dash cam, £2,440 with dash cam.
Overall impact
- Average claim cost without dash cam: £7,208.60
- Average claim cost with dash cam: £2,765.60
- Total savings per claim: £4,443.00
Leading the way with technology
Future trends in dash cam technology
Artificial Intelligence and machine learning are revolutionising dash cams, enabling them to go far beyond just recording footage. AI-powered dash cams are equipped with advanced algorithms that can analyse video footage in real-time, providing actionable insights to fleet managers.
The future of dash cam technology is exciting and filled with possibilities. As AI, autonomous driving, and cloud capabilities continue to advance, these innovations will provide fleet operators with more powerful tools to improve safety, efficiency, and overall performance. Investing in cutting-edge dash cam solutions today can position your fleet to thrive in the evolving landscape of transportation technology.
Frequently asked questions
Can’t find an answer to your question? Talk to the Radius customer support team on 0800 056 4432. We’re here to help you with any questions or concerns you may have.
How do dash cam systems help with safety and insurance claims?
Can dash cams record both the interior and exterior of the vehicle?
How do dash cam systems perform in different weather conditions?
Can I access the footage recorded by my dash cam remotely?
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