How to install a dashcam and its road safety benefits

In a context where road safety and transparency in traffic accidents are increasingly important, dashcams have become an essential accessory. Their installation does not require advanced technical knowledge, and the benefits they offer for both private drivers and entrepreneurs with commercial vehicles are significant.

Having a camera installed on your dashboard or windshield can make the difference in a road accident, prevent insurance fraud, or even improve driving habits. Furthermore, in many countries, video recordings are valid as legal evidence.

A dashcam is a compact digital camera that is installed in the vehicle, usually on the front windshield (and sometimes also on the rear), to continuously record everything that happens while driving .

It works connected to the car battery or via the cigarette lighter, and records in loops onto a microSD card, automatically overwriting the oldest files when the storage is full. Many models also include motion sensors (G-sensors) that detect impacts and automatically save video of the moment of the accident to prevent it from being deleted.

1. Evidence in case of accidents: One of the greatest benefits of a dashcam is that it provides objective visual evidence . This helps resolve disputes with other drivers, police officers, or insurance companies.

2. Fraud Protection: Prevents scams where drivers are unfairly blamed or accidents or collisions are staged. Records allow for verification of what happened.

3. Improved driving habits: Knowing that everything is recorded can encourage more cautious driving . This is especially helpful if you have a fleet or employees who drive your vehicles.

4. Monitoring other people's vehicles: If you lend or rent your car, a dashcam allows you to review how it was used, which is ideal for delivery services, private transportation, or rentals.

5. Security while parked: Models with standby monitoring mode can record when someone approaches or tries to break into the car while it is off.

Step 1: Choose the Right Location Most dashcams are mounted behind the rearview mirror, so as not to obstruct the driver's view. The rearview camera (if equipped) is mounted on the rear window.

Step 2: Attach the adhesive or suction cup mount . Most come with a 3M adhesive or suction cup base. Make sure to clean the glass thoroughly before applying it for extra grip.

Step 3: Connect the wiring

• If you opt for the easy method, connect the dashcam cable to your car's cigarette lighter port .
• For a more discreet installation, you can hide the cable under the headliner and run it to a hidden fuse box or USB port .
• Some people prefer to connect it to a hardwire kit , which allows recording even with the vehicle off.

Step 4: Insert the memory card and set up. Use a high-speed, high-endurance microSD card (at least Class 10). Set the date, recording quality, and operating mode to your liking.

Step 5: Test the dashcam . Start the car and verify that it starts recording automatically. Review the files from the screen or by connecting it to your phone or PC.

• Minimum Full HD (1080p) resolution to capture important details like license plates.
• Night vision for clear recording in low light conditions.
• Wide viewing angle , ideally 140° or more.
• G-sensor and emergency recording in case of impact.
• WiFi or Bluetooth to watch videos from your cell phone without removing the memory.
• Battery or supercapacitor to protect files when the engine is turned off.

Dashcams are no longer a luxury , but an investment in safety, prevention, and control. Due to their low cost and ease of use, they are especially useful for mobile entrepreneurs, app drivers, delivery drivers, or small businesses that use vehicles as a work tool .