Dashboard cameras could save lives
A SMALL piece of popular technology could be the solution to road rage.
Drivers across Australia are installing dash cams so they can record their drives in case they end up in accidents or have other road issues.
With more than 500,000 followers on its Facebook page, Dash Cam Owners Australia shows the popularity of the small devices that range in price from $60 to $250.
DCOA followers upload footage they film in their day-to-day drives, showing accidents, close calls
“The rise of the dash cams mean that bad behaviour is easily captured,” RACQ spokeswoman Lauren Ritchie said.
“We expect to get a point when they are standard in vehicles – maybe that will make us better drivers if we all think we are being watched at all times.”
The NRMA’s Peter Khoury said dash cams, GoPros on helmets and street-based CCTV were becoming essential tools in the war on violent and aggressive road users.
“It’s a good thing because it means if you get out of your car and bash someone you have more of a change of being caught,” Mr Khoury said.
Australian Road Research Board’s Jerome Carslake said truck drivers often installed camera warning signs on their vehicles so risk-takers were aware their bad actions could end up being broadcast in a courtroom.
“The driver can pass the recording that shows the vehicle number plate and the speed the other vehicle is doing to authorities.”