Can a Dash Cam Capture Footage of Side Collisions?

[JeffreyDella]

A dash cam cannot capture footage of side collisions; it only records the view in front of the vehicle. Below is an introduction to the functions of a dash cam: 1. Protecting the driver's legal rights: It provides drivers with effective evidence against pedestrians crossing the road recklessly or cyclists and motorcyclists weaving through traffic. 2. Handling accidents: By replaying the recorded footage, the responsibility for an accident becomes clear, enabling traffic police to handle the incident quickly and accurately. This allows for rapid clearance of the scene to restore traffic flow while preserving crucial evidence of the event, contributing to a safer and smoother traffic environment. 3. Reducing incidents: If every vehicle is equipped with a dash cam, offending vehicles can be recorded by other vehicles' dash cams, which may reduce hit-and-run cases. 4. Providing evidence: Courts can make more accurate sentencing and compensation decisions in road traffic accident cases with concrete evidence, and it also offers proof for insurance claims. 5. Deterring fraud: In cases of professional fraudsters or roadside robberies, the dash cam can provide decisive evidence for solving the case, including the accident scene and the perpetrator's appearance.

[VonLilliana]

As an avid car enthusiast who frequently tinkers with vehicles, I believe that dash cams mounted on the front windshield primarily capture footage facing forward, making it difficult for standard single-lens models to record side scrapes. However, if you opt for a wide-angle or fisheye lens version with a field of view around 170 degrees, it might capture glimpses of the side during turns or slow movements—like the edge of a car door. Yet, coverage remains incomplete, and low resolution results in blurry images. I recommend choosing a dual-camera setup combining front and rear views, which offers better surrounding coverage when parked with recording mode activated. Also, don’t rely solely on the footage after a scrape; immediately take photos for evidence or find witnesses to ensure smooth insurance processing. Installation position is crucial too—ensure the lens is placed high to minimize blind spots. Overall, technology helps but isn’t a complete solution.

[NicoleDella]

Having driven for decades, I've experienced several instances where my car's side was scratched while parked. Most dashcams record the front view, making it nearly impossible to capture side incidents. Once, my car door was scratched in a parking lot, but reviewing the footage showed nothing because the camera only faced forward. Later, I switched to a model with side cameras or adjusted the angle when parking to ensure the dashcam covered the window area. During low-speed turns or reversing, actions might be vaguely recorded, offering some clues. The key is to handle accidents promptly—I make it a habit to immediately inspect the damage and take photos. Now, I pay more attention to parking spots, avoiding high-risk areas. When choosing equipment, 360-degree coverage is worth considering—safety first. Experience shows that dashcams must complement other methods to protect the car.

[LailaFitz]

Dash cams are designed to monitor the road ahead, but they often lack sufficient side coverage, making it difficult to capture scratches. I usually check the position during installation to ensure the lens is high enough; they might capture dynamic images while moving, but the resolution is limited. It's recommended to choose a version with a wide-angle function and manually confirm the angle after parking. Don't forget to take photos and contact your insurance in case of an incident.