According to the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research (ITSMR), there have been around 350,000 car accidents in New York annually. About 9000 serious injuries and 1000 deaths are reported yearly as a result of car accidents.
As an added precaution and security against road accidents, dash cams have become increasingly popular among New York drivers. Apart from the actual benefits of installing a dashcam, we’ll also provide you with some important considerations that can save you from legal hassles in the future.
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Dash Cam Regulations in New York
While there are no specific New York laws tailored exclusively for dashcam use, there are two major considerations that should be kept in mind – dashcam placement and audio recordings.
With regards to your dash cam placement, New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 375(30) is a perfect reference. Under this law, any equipment used while driving should:
- Not obstruct the driver's view;
- Not interfere with airbag deployment;
- Be stable, not to cause any distractions.
Traffic violation tickets may be awarded to individuals who fail to follow these guidelines. Also, make sure that you find an optimal place for your dash cam; where it has the proper recording angle and coverage.
At the same time, if your dash cam has the capacity for audio recordings, you must be more careful. Under the New York Penal Law § 250.05, it is illegal to record real-life conversations without the consent of all individuals partaking in a conversation. As such, it is important to let your passengers know that your dashcam is recording audio signals. Make sure to disable your dashcam’s audio recording feature if consent is not given.
With these considerations being taken, you can continue reaping the benefits of having a dashcam installed on your car.
Benefits of Having a Dash Cam
Dashcams can help with insurance or liability claims, but they can also improve other aspects of a driver’s life. In this segment, we’ll explore these benefits further.
Can be Used as Evidence in Case of Accidents
Under the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules Article 45, any video footage is admissible and can be used as evidence in court. Of course, this applies only to footages that are relevant, authenticated, and legally obtained.
A dashcam footage is perhaps your most potent evidence and can swing any claim in your favor.
An Asset in Insurance Claims
With New York adopting a no-fault system, it is relatively easier for opportunistic individuals to get compensation for fraudulent activities. According to the New York Division of Criminal Justice Services, a total of 337 arrests were made from 2016 to 2020 because of insurance-related fraud – and this does not include those who got away.
As such, insurance companies are very cautious when awarding compensation. In this context, your dashcam footage can help you gain the trust of your insurance provider.
Can Potentially Lower Insurance Premiums
In a study on the implementation of dashcams, it was found that the equipment reduces incidents by 60%. The overall cost of car crashes was also reduced by 86%, as reported by the study.
Recognizing the positive trends related to the implementation of dashcams, some insurance providers offer discounts to policyholders with dashcams installed.
A Card Against Aggressive Drivers
Road rage is fairly common, unfortunately. Dashcams do not deter aggressive drivers entirely. However, by recording any unruly or untoward behavior while driving, you can later report aggressive drivers to authorities.
Gives Peace of Mind and Fosters Growth
With a dashcam installed, drivers have a better overall driving experience and performance. The sense of safety allows owners to drive more confidently. Recorded footages also provide novice drivers with feedback that is essential for development.
Helping-Out Others
Hit-and-run incidents cause immense stress for a victim’s family. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2,564 fatalities resulted from hit-and-run crashes in 2020. Hit-and-run accidents also lead to serious injuries, which entail medical expenses for victims.
With a dashcam installed, you can capture these incidents – helping families get the accountability and compensation they rightfully deserve. Your footage can provide the license plate, vehicle description, and even the driver's appearance. Eyewitness accounts, while still helpful, are generally inaccurate when compared with dashcams.
Important Data Recorded by Dash Cams
Modern dashcams can offer a detailed account of road accidents. Apart from the actual footage, they can also provide crucial information such as:
- Location Details: With integrated GPS, many dash cams can record the exact location of an incident, providing precise coordinates.
- Time Stamps: Every recording is time-stamped, there will be a clear chronology of events.
- Speed Data: Some dash cams can track the vehicle's speed, which can be crucial in determining factors like reckless driving.
Speak to a Lawyer for Legal Concerns
At the Porter Law Group, our seasoned lawyers specialize in various fields such as personal injury, car accidents, liability, and traffic law. If you need any legal guidance regarding dash-cam incidents or any other vehicle-related incidents, please reach out to us for a no-obligation, free consultation.
You may also reach us at 833-PORTER9 or info@porterlawteam.com to schedule an appointment. We are here to safeguard your and your family’s best interests.
