Wearing a camera out riding: pros and cons
Footage could be useful if an incident is captured on film and goes to court — but safety should also be considered
RIDERS are being reminded to consider both the positives and negatives of wearing a hat camera when riding on the roads.
Although the cameras could provide important evidence in any accident or near-miss, there are also safety factors to consider.
Hannah Bradley of the Equine Law Firm told H&H that both criminal and civil courts accept camera footage as evidence.
“Evidence is traditionally given as written witness statements and oral evidence,” she said.
“That evidence has weaknesses. Memories fade and recollections may become jaded by what the witness wishes had happened, rather than what did.
“Footage is contemporaneous and unbiased evidence. If it has captured events clearly, it will almost inevitably be more credible than evidence from witnesses.
“But camera users should consider that the footage may not be helpful if it does not capture the crucial moment (if, say, the incident happened out of the range of the camera),” she said.
“It may also capture the owner’s wrongdoing as well as acts against them. If the other party notices a rider is wearing a helmet camera, they could insist the footage be disclosed in any proceedings.”
Ms Bradley added that riders should seek advice before putting footage on social media.
“Police or a solicitor pursuing a civil claim should always be consulted if it is possible it will be used in court,” she said. “Also, be aware publishing footage could
breach data protection laws if, for example, it persistently films one person, or deliberately films private property.”
A spokesman for Surrey Police also advised against posting footage online, adding that another consideration is safety.
“We would always advise the equine community to weigh up the benefits with the risks,” a spokesman said. “The rider and horse’s safety should remain a priority at all times.”
British Equestrian Trade Association executive director Claire Williams said hat cameras have, in the past, been banned in some competition over concerns they could exacerbate head injuries by interfering with hats, and the possible risk of hyperextension injuries.
“But they have seen great advancements in miniaturisation,” she told H&H. “The more advanced miniature cameras that fit into bands integrated into or underneath the hat peak lie flush with the helmet, so they might not cause the same issues.
“Any threat of injury depends on the camera’s size and how and where it is attached. In theory, alterations to hats or body protectors after purchase could impact the way they function and may negate the relevant standard.”
The British Horse Society (BHS) agreed footage can be useful for evidence. It can be submitted to the National Dashcam Safety Portal (NDSP), a platform supported by the BHS, which gives road users a chance to report dangerous driving.
BHS director of safety Alan Hiscox told H&H: “The NDSP enables riders to securely upload any video footage directly to the right police force via nextbase. com/dashcamportal, streamlining the process and reducing processing time to minutes.”
The BHS said there has been no research into the risks of wearing hat-mounted cameras.