Safety-conscious Mayo motorists turning to dashboard cameras

DASHBOARD cameras have gone mainstream as more people document their experiences on the road.

An increasing number of Mayo motorists are buying the cams to protect them in insurance claims, meaning that our roads are constantly being watched so next time you make a dangerous manoeuvre on the road think you make be snapped, it may be on a school run or driving to the shop.

Drivers feel supported on the road with a second set of eyes. They want protection, as well as proof, in case of an incident.

Experts predict that widespread adoption will dramatically improve road safety because the near-certainty of being filmed will encourage better driving.

Some police forces in Wales are now allowing drivers to upload footage of offences like tailgating and lane-hogging before issuing retrospective penalties.

Previously drivers would contact one of the four police forces in Wales individually about using dash cam footage as evidence. However, processing this could take up to 15 hours of police work before a penalty could be sent out.

Noel Gibbons, Mayo road safety officer, said: “Innovation is having a huge impact on all aspects of our lives, and driving is no exception. Technology is helping to make journeys safer, more comfortable and more enjoyable. This gives the gardai an extra set of eyes on the road 24/7 they can't be everywhere.

“In some cases, devices such as telematics are helping to make motoring cheaper, the prevalence of GPS and navigation in our cars and on our smartphones has made map-reading a thing of the past for many car users, and dash cams are helping drivers feel safer.

“However, while smartphone driving apps can support safer driving, other phone habits such as messaging and checking social media can be a dangerous distraction, potentially with devastating results.”

He added: “A dash cam isn’t the be-all and end-all. People need to realise they must improve their own standards of driving as well as expecting others to do the same.

“We are very concerned drivers might be investing in a dashcam as a substitute for better driving, instead of using it as a back-up.

“In many ways a dash cam is the end of the line; real accident prevention requires better driver training and tackling ingrained attitudes and behaviours.”