Your Daily Reminder to Get a DashCam

[StreetCreeper]

I really could have used one of these the other day. A group of motorcycle riders took a blind curve riding in the center of a very narrow undivided mountain road. I happened to be coming around the corner at the perfect time. The first guy missed me but the gal in second place had big metal cargo carriers on the back and she couldn't maneuver enough to miss me. Her left cargo carrier struck the left side of my front bumper and she crashed. She wan't injured.

Knowing it was a blind curve, I quickly moved my truck to avoid a secondary accident but that was a mistake. I assumed they were going to take responsibility for the accident because it was blatantly obvious the way they took that corner was dangerous. I was completely on my side of the road. After I moved my truck and started talking to them, I learned they felt I was at fault. I should have taken a picture of where my truck was on the road before moving it. The damage to my truck wasn't bad and I already replaced the bumper face plate that was dented. I might get some insurance money but my deductible is $500.

People suck! I think I'm going to get a dash cam very soon.

I like professional motorcycle riders; have no issue with them at all. Unfortunately, most of the motorcyclist I notice on the road these days are complete idiots and anything but safe, courteous and professional. Always driving too fast for conditions, lane splitting when it's not appropriate, tailgating right before splitting the lane...etc. Really leaves a bad taste in regards to motorcyclist. I'm sure the good ones aren't too happy to have these idiots give all riders a bad rep.

As a former truck driver, I've seen some shit ( as I'm sure you have as well Tim working as a firefighter ) and I personally take safe driving very seriously. My wife tires of me calling out the idiots on the road all the time, but of the three collisions I've been involved in over the past 24 years, all three were the fault of the other driver and all three of those idiots rear-ended me.

Don't get me started on everyone else too. Car/pickup/SUV drivers are always on their goddamn phones these days. I see them in front of me and behind me drifting in & out of their lanes as they try to type and watch the road simultaneously. This is a daily occurence where I live.

Then at the stop lights I probably have to honk at least once every day or two (often multiple times a day even) at some jackass checking their text messages or snapping selfies and not noticing the light has turned green.

It's for these people that I have had to install the Hella Supertone horns and bought the dashcam to install. I use my horn a lot too. I even used it in the drive thru the other day when some dipshit didn't notice the line had moved because he was nose-deep in his damn phone.

I think this stuff is just going to get worse as time goes on. All we can do is pay extra attention to our surroundings and be prepared to show evidence that you weren't at fault — if you survive the collision of course. I fully expect anyone who hits me — to lie about it to the authorities.

The world is changing fast these days and it's definitely not always for the better.

​

 

[Mark_BC]

I watched youtube reviews and apparently this is the best value for money right now

https://www.blackboxmycar.com/collections/viofo/products/viofo-a119?variant=30285305223

WTH??? Why won't my video embed?

 

[Herculean T4R]

Yeah that's how I'm going to run it too.

Any tips, tricks or advice with this unit or the install? I'm not anticipating any issues, but there's always that "well shit if I were to do it again — I'd do it this way instead" sort of thing to consider.

Install for me was pretty straightforward. For most part I used default settings. I have had it for over 6 months now. No issues whatsoever. I like how it gets affixed to the windshield with adhesive tape and not a suction cup. I will try to post some pictures tomorrow.

I would suggest putting it right behind the rear view mirror about 0.5" or 1" below the headliner.

 

[StreetCreeper]

Install for me was pretty straightforward. For most part I used default settings. I have had it for over 6 months now. No issues whatsoever. I like how it gets affixed to the windshield with adhesive tape and not a suction cup. I will try to post some pictures tomorrow.

I would suggest putting it right behind the rear view mirror about 0.5" or 1" below the headliner.

Yeah I noticed that the way it slides on to the window mount will necessitate the whole thing be mounted lower to allow for the camera to slide up and off.

 

[absalom]

What brands do you guys use? That's pretty good quality! Does it basically just record in a loop, overwriting the oldest video on the card? Do you just leave it plugged into your cigarette lighter and have it come on automatically when you start the car?

Seeing more and more of these being used here in the states.

Any links to a good one that isn't too pricey?

Start here:

Video reviews

and here:

Techmoan - Techmoan

 

[PWD4R]

I like professional motorcycle riders; have no issue with them at all. Unfortunately, most of the motorcyclist I notice on the road these days are complete idiots and anything but safe, courteous and professional. Always driving too fast for conditions, lane splitting when it's not appropriate, tailgating right before splitting the lane...etc. Really leaves a bad taste in regards to motorcyclist. I'm sure the good ones aren't too happy to have these idiots give all riders a bad rep.



As a former truck driver, I've seen some shit ( as I'm sure you have as well Tim working as a firefighter ) and I personally take safe driving very seriously. My wife tires of me calling out the idiots on the road all the time, but of the three collisions I've been involved in over the past 24 years, all three were the fault of the other driver and all three of those idiots rear-ended me.



Don't get me started on everyone else too. Car/pickup/SUV drivers are always on their goddamn phones these days. I see them in front of me and behind me drifting in & out of their lanes as they try to type and watch the road simultaneously. This is a daily occurence where I live.



Then at the stop lights I probably have to honk at least once every day or two (often multiple times a day even) at some jackass checking their text messages or snapping selfies and not noticing the light has turned green.



It's for these people that I have had to install the Hella Supertone horns and bought the dashcam to install. I use my horn a lot too. I even used it in the drive thru the other day when some dipshit didn't notice the line had moved because he was nose-deep in his damn phone.



I think this stuff is just going to get worse as time goes on. All we can do is pay extra attention to our surroundings and be prepared to show evidence that you weren't at fault — if you survive the collision of course. I fully expect anyone who hits me — to lie about it to the authorities.



The world is changing fast these days and it's definitely not always for the better.

​

Every time you post all I think to say to you is "great Scott!" Lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[mtbtim]

I watched youtube reviews and apparently this is the best value for money right now

https://www.blackboxmycar.com/collections/viofo/products/viofo-a119?variant=30285305223

WTH??? Why won't my video embed?

Thanks for the suggestion Mark. I just bought this one via Amazon. I'll report back with a review after I've installed and used it for a while.

 

[gamefreakgc]

I really could have used one of these the other day. A group of motorcycle riders took a blind curve riding in the center of a very narrow undivided mountain road. I happened to be coming around the corner at the perfect time. The first guy missed me but the gal in second place had big metal cargo carriers on the back and she couldn't maneuver enough to miss me. Her left cargo carrier struck the left side of my front bumper and she crashed. She wan't injured.

Knowing it was a blind curve, I quickly moved my truck to avoid a secondary accident but that was a mistake. I assumed they were going to take responsibility for the accident because it was blatantly obvious the way they took that corner was dangerous. I was completely on my side of the road. After I moved my truck and started talking to them, I learned they felt I was at fault. I should have taken a picture of where my truck was on the road before moving it. The damage to my truck wasn't bad and I already replaced the bumper face plate that was dented. I might get some insurance money but my deductible is $500.

People suck! I think I'm going to get a dash cam very soon.

Was there a witness? Insurance claims nowadays are a total joke, since people will lie to get out of anything. Nobody tells the truth anymore. Someone blindsided my wife and I at night once at 50 MPH when he ran a red light. Admitted fault that night but once the insurance company asked he said WE ran the red, lol. We had about 3 witnesses from the crash testify and got a check for a new car since ours was obliterated.

I tapped a bumper at a stoplight once because I was stupid and not paying attention. I admitted fault at the time (he wasn't even moving) and did so again later, saying it was my fault. Guess what? He didn't file a claim because the damage was so minimal so I have no record BECAUSE I WAS HONEST. What a concept!

 

[Brveagle]

On a side note, I am a valet and from time to time a car with one of these will come in.

I always make sure to talk to the camera and tell them how much I appreciate them taking the time to check the video to watch my driving..

 

[mtbtim]

Was there a witness? Insurance claims nowadays are a total joke, since people will lie to get out of anything. Nobody tells the truth anymore. Someone blindsided my wife and I at night once at 50 MPH when he ran a red light. Admitted fault that night but once the insurance company asked he said WE ran the red, lol. We had about 3 witnesses from the crash testify and got a check for a new car since ours was obliterated.

I tapped a bumper at a stoplight once because I was stupid and not paying attention. I admitted fault at the time (he wasn't even moving) and did so again later, saying it was my fault. Guess what? He didn't file a claim because the damage was so minimal so I have no record BECAUSE I WAS HONEST. What a concept!

No independent witnesses. It was on a mountain road. The only witnesses were maybe a squirrel or a bird.

 

[gamefreakgc]

No independent witnesses. It was on a mountain road. The only witnesses were maybe a squirrel or a bird.

Was that on 17? I don't like driving that highway.

Get that squirrel on the phone!

 

[Dropzone]

We have dash cams in every vehicle. At first we just bought the $50 Ebay ones, then went to the iRoad Korean made $300 ones. Now we run Garmin. It's nice to have a quality product with state side support.

I cannot understand why everyone would not want to run a dash cam, it's just a Pricless piece of hardware that cost $100.

i have two garmins in my 4Runner, one facing forward and one facing to the rear.

It can be a two edged sword though...if you screw up it could be used against you..

 

[mtbtim]

Was that on 17? I don't like driving that highway.

Get that squirrel on the phone!

It was on Hwy 236 which takes you to Big Basin State Park. Very narrow undivided road.

Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk

 

[TOY2G]

i have two garmins in my 4Runner, one facing forward and one facing to the rear.

It can be a two edged sword though...if you screw up it could be used against you..

Always true, however, I feel as if I'm am generally a better driver than many of the people I share the road with. I know that's a loaded statement, but I'm a VERY defensive driver so I suspect it may be less likely I cause a crash.

 

[Trip_84]

this one is a good one i know some Uber drivers use

https://www.amazon.com/Falcon-Zero-F360-HD-Mirror/dp/B00E56WY18?th=1

just goes right over the stock rear mirror. has 2 rotating cameras so you can have one pointed over the left angle of hood and other over right angle of hood. the swivel 360 degrees

 

[Unner]

Ordered an A119 the other day, plan to install this weekend. I've had enough of terrible drivers.

 

[mtbtim]

Ordered an A119 the other day, plan to install this weekend. I've had enough of terrible drivers.

Same here. I plan on installing mine on Sunday.

 

[Mark_BC]

Same here. I plan on installing mine on Sunday.

Same here. I'll pick it up Saturday and install Sunday.

 

[Mark_BC]

I like professional motorcycle riders; have no issue with them at all. Unfortunately, most of the motorcyclist I notice on the road these days are complete idiots and anything but safe, courteous and professional. Always driving too fast for conditions, lane splitting when it's not appropriate, tailgating right before splitting the lane...etc. Really leaves a bad taste in regards to motorcyclist. I'm sure the good ones aren't too happy to have these idiots give all riders a bad rep.

As a former truck driver, I've seen some shit ( as I'm sure you have as well Tim working as a firefighter ) and I personally take safe driving very seriously. My wife tires of me calling out the idiots on the road all the time, but of the three collisions I've been involved in over the past 24 years, all three were the fault of the other driver and all three of those idiots rear-ended me.

Don't get me started on everyone else too. Car/pickup/SUV drivers are always on their goddamn phones these days. I see them in front of me and behind me drifting in & out of their lanes as they try to type and watch the road simultaneously. This is a daily occurence where I live.

Then at the stop lights I probably have to honk at least once every day or two (often multiple times a day even) at some jackass checking their text messages or snapping selfies and not noticing the light has turned green.

It's for these people that I have had to install the Hella Supertone horns and bought the dashcam to install. I use my horn a lot too. I even used it in the drive thru the other day when some dipshit didn't notice the line had moved because he was nose-deep in his damn phone.

I think this stuff is just going to get worse as time goes on. All we can do is pay extra attention to our surroundings and be prepared to show evidence that you weren't at fault — if you survive the collision of course. I fully expect anyone who hits me — to lie about it to the authorities.

The world is changing fast these days and it's definitely not always for the better.

​

They passed a law in BC, it's illegal to use your phone while driving. People smartened up pretty fast, the cops take it seriously, you can get a hefty fine if caught. I imagine these laws will spread to other areas.

 

[Sean K.]

They passed a law in BC, it's illegal to use your phone while driving. People smartened up pretty fast, the cops take it seriously, you can get a hefty fine if caught. I imagine these laws will spread to other areas.

Sounds like the myriad stupid preemptive laws passed by governments the world over. Apparently, no one taught legislators in the civics classes about the whole concept of the proper role of government being limited to the protection of individual rights. To put it succinctly, if no one's natural, negative rights are infringed upon, no "crime" has occurred.