Road safety | Dash camera footage can be used as reliable evidence in legal proceedings and insurance claims: Vanesh Naidoo, Founder and Director, SafeCams

In today's fast-paced world, technology is inevitable and instrumental in enriching multiple aspects of our lives. One of the tech developments that is life-changing especially on the roads is dash cams, or dashboard cameras, that have come from being merely a popularized widget to an important gadget for motorists around the globe. Since in India traffic chaos and traffic accidents are a norm, dash cams are emerging as a watchful eye that can make a significant difference. Vanesh Naidoo, Founder and Director of SafeCams, talks about the different reasons why this gadget has become a necessity —

Q: Why do India's roads demand the watchful eye of dash cameras?

Vanesh Naidoo: "India has a good number of busy roads and traveling on them can be an adventure full of surprises, but not all of them are pleasant. From erratic driving behaviour to unexpected road obstacles, the challenges are diverse. Dash cams prove to be effective witnesses capturing every moment on the road. A high occurrence of road rage, disregard of traffic rules, as well as accidents largely necessitate the installation of a dash camera in personal as well as commercial vehicles.

Dash cams contribute to road safety by promoting responsible driving behaviour. Knowing they are being recorded, drivers tend to follow traffic regulations and behave more responsibly. And in addition, Dash Cam recordings help authorities get an independent account of any accidents, making it easier to judge who was at fault, accurately.

These gadgets are not a luxury, but a must-have on Indian roads. They provide video evidence that will supplement a driver’s legal case in any unintended events occurring on the road. Dash cams are having a significant effect on Indian roads as drivers who act recklessly can be immediately spotted and false claims can be easily disproved."

Q: Are dash cam footages reliable evidence in legal proceedings?

Vanesh Naidoo: "One of the significant benefits of having a dash cam is that their footage can be used as reliable evidence in legal proceedings. In the aftermath of a road accident, obtaining accurate information about the sequence of events can be challenging. Sometimes an eyewitness’s account of everything that happened cannot be reliable as it is based on their memory and can be biased by their perceptions at that time. This is where dash cam footage acts as an unprejudiced spectator and presents the video evidence of the accident for all to see.

The clarity and accuracy of a dash camera footage makes it a beneficial asset in insurance claims and other legal disputes. In a nation where most cases of road accidents take a long time in the courts, real-time factual evidence can streamline the legal process. Insurance companies are increasingly recognizing the value of dash cam footage and will offer faster claim settlement based on the evidence obtained from the dash cam.

Not only does it help investigators in finding out who was responsible for causing the accident but it can even make our roads safer by instilling a sense of accountability among drivers. The fact that drivers and passengers know they are being monitored by 'CCTV Dash cams' will ensure that their actions become more prudent and make public roads safer for all."

Beyond being a gadget that captures scenic drives, dash cams have become an integral piece of car safety equipment for many. "They have evolved into reliable and unbiased witnesses in an accident. Road safety and deterrence of reckless driving are two of the most important functions of surveillance cameras in modern societies. With technology progressing at a fast pace, adapting to the latest innovations such as dash cams will result in a safer and more reliable driving culture," the Founder and Director of SafeCams sums up saying.