Is the Rear Dash Cam Important?
3 Answers
Dash cams at the rear are not crucial. In theory, a dash cam only needs to record the driver's primary field of view, and rear-end collisions are generally the fault of the following vehicle. The functions of a dash cam are as follows: 1. Record various driving and driver operation statuses: This includes data such as mileage and speed. Models with GPS modules can also track the vehicle's location and route. Analyzing the collected vehicle and driver operation data helps optimize vehicle performance and correct poor driving habits. 2. Assist in determining traffic accident liability: Dash cams record driving statuses (speed, braking information, turn signals, doors, mileage, location, direction, etc.). By extracting stored data from the dash cam, it can help scientifically determine liability in traffic accidents.
Having driven for over a decade, I find rear dash cams quite essential. Last year during rainy weather, I was rear-ended, but my front-facing dash cam missed the crucial footage – a rear camera could have proven the other driver was fully at fault. This is especially critical on highways when encountering reckless lane-cutting or fraudsters performing deliberate reverse collisions, where the rear perspective matters more than the front. Many modern dash cams now feature dual-channel recording (front + rear) and can activate collision detection during parking mode. If someone scrapes your rear bumper and flees, it automatically captures their license plate. Though installation requires wiring (slightly tedious), spending a few hundred yuan to potentially save thousands in repair costs and dispute time is a smart investment.
I recommend all novice drivers to install rear cameras. Last week, my wife was hit by an electric scooter that suddenly appeared from behind while she was reversing. Without a rear camera, it would have been impossible to clarify liability. Rear dash cams are particularly useful during parking surveillance, as some scammers specifically target drivers during reversing. Nowadays, you can get a front-and-rear dual recording package for just a few hundred bucks, and installation isn't complicated—just route the wires along the weatherstripping and you're done in half an hour. If you frequently drive on highways, it's even more essential, as it can clearly record following distances and lane changes by vehicles behind you, providing solid evidence in case of accidents.
