Can a dash cam capture side collisions?
3 Answers
Cars equipped with dual-camera or multi-camera dash cams can capture side collisions. Here's relevant information: 1. Definition: A dash cam is a device that records images, sounds, and related data during vehicle operation. After installation, it can record the entire driving process's video and audio, providing evidence for traffic accidents. For those who enjoy self-driving tours, it can also document the process of overcoming challenges. It continuously records while driving, simultaneously logging time, speed, and location in the footage, functioning much like a "black box." It can also be used at home as a DV camera to capture life's moments or serve as a home surveillance system. 2. Function: It protects drivers' legal rights. In case of collisions with pedestrians crossing the road or cyclists/motorcyclists, drivers might face extortion attempts. With a dash cam, drivers can provide valid evidence for themselves. By reviewing the recorded footage, accident liability becomes clear, allowing traffic police to handle incidents quickly and accurately. This enables rapid scene clearance to restore traffic flow while preserving crucial evidence from the incident, contributing to a safe and smooth traffic environment.
Whether a dash cam can capture a side collision largely depends on its installation position and lens angle. Most dash cams are mounted on the front windshield with the lens facing forward, covering only the frontal area, so side collisions might be completely missed. Unless your cam has a wide-angle design exceeding 160 degrees, it might barely capture some side movement, but the effect is poor with distorted or blurred edges. From my research on various car models, SUVs or high-clearance vehicles find it harder to record side impacts due to limited lens height. If the dash cam has a rear lens, it typically only records the rear, leaving the sides uncovered. I recommend checking your dash cam’s wide-angle range and installation height—raising its position might improve coverage. For full protection, consider adding side cameras or a 360-degree dash cam system.
I've been driving for many years, and once my car got side-swiped in a parking lot when I wasn't in it. When I returned and saw the scratch, I anxiously checked the dashcam footage, only to find it captured nothing—the lens didn't cover the side at all. That experience taught me that standard dashcams are designed mainly to prevent fraud collisions and rear-end accidents, offering little help in side-impact incidents. Unless the collision angle is very slight or your parking position is unusual, the side might barely appear at the edge of the frame, but it's never clear. Later, I consulted a mechanic who advised me to install the dashcam closer to the center and opt for an ultra-wide-angle lens to capture more perspective, though it still doesn't fully solve the problem. Now, I make it a habit to check the lens angle before driving to avoid being left without evidence in case of an incident. When buying a dashcam, don't just go for the cheapest option—read user reviews and choose a model with wider coverage to avoid wasting money.
