How do you explain this to the cops?
Best dashcams for 2024
Fourth of July is right around the corner, and we’re in for record-breaking holiday traffic. Some 71 million people are expected to travel over 50 miles during the week — the most on record.
I don’t mean to be a downer, but record-setting travel also means record-setting accidents, crashes and road rage. And being a defensive driver isn’t the only way to protect yourself on the road.
You should have a dashcam
Imagine if this happened to you. An Oklahoma City driver laid on his horn when an SUV started drifting in his lane. Things escalated quickly. The SUV driver swerved to block the honking driver, then pulled a gun and shot him.
Thankfully, the victim made a full recovery and his dashcam recorded it all. Police identified and arrested the gunman, and justice was served thanks to that footage.
I’ve said it for years: The police have dashcams for good reason and you should, too. They record what happens in front of your car, behind your car and in your car.
Key cam considerations
Let’s start with the obvious: The ability to record footage. If you’re in an accident and not at fault, it’s easier to prove if you have it on tape.
Better dashcams can detect crashes and send out an emergency response, and some can even notify you with a beep if you stray from your lane. Nice upgrade for an older car! Some also have parking mode with break-in sensors that sound an alarm and record the whole thing.
🔏 Privacy tip: Pay attention to the user agreement no matter what model you buy. Opt out of anything you can, like third-party sharing.
These 3 dashcams check my important boxes
You want a dashcam that comes with a mount, records in high-def (at least 1080p), has night vision built in, has an app you can use to check your footage, a wide-angle lens and built-in GPS. Here are three that fit the bill:
Ask Kim: 'Can you help me find a dashcam for Mom?
If a creep follows your mom to her car, a dashcam can capture videos to later use as evidence in a criminal case. Reputable options like the Ovedisa or BlackVue are both excellent choices.
🚙 Get her a dashcam that records what’s happening in front of and behind her vehicle. This option connects to an app that lets you view, download and share videos. It’s 30% off now, and be sure to check the box for another $30 off. (Makes a great gift, btw.)
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Get a dashcam, trust me
The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and AAA says about 71 million people will be traveling over 50 miles that week. Make sure you’re prepared for anything that might happen on the road.
Tesla, meet train: A Tesla driver nearly crashed into a moving train when his car failed to brake in self-driving mode. His dashcam shows him swerving at full speed just in time. Just three years ago, Tesla’s image rank (a measure of its brand reputation) was eighth among the top 100 companies. Now, it’s plummeted to No. 63. Can’t imagine this is helping.
Ask Kim: 'Which dashcam should I buy?'
Uber, Lyft and other rideshare companies have provided more opportunities to make a living driving people to their destinations. Some do it as a full-time job, while others make driving into a second or part-time job.
Use Uber? See how many one-star and five-star ratings you've gotten
Rideshare driving is one way to make money full-time or as a side gig. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft offer opportunities to get started with little more than a car, a driver’s license and a smartphone. You’ll also have to pass background checks, and your vehicle must meet standards dictated by the company.
Reader question: 'Can you help me pick a dashcam?'
Uber and Lyft have become overwhelmingly popular in America to make extra cash. Drivers can sign up in minutes, fill in their information and be up and running as an employee in just a few days.
But using your car to earn income comes with liability issues. What if you get into an accident or one of your riders becomes combative? Even if you don’t drive for a living, proving fault in a crash can be difficult. To avoid he said she said, you’ll need to protect yourself.
4 best dashcam apps for iPhone and Android
Looking to add a dashcam to your car? It can be a pricey endeavor, especially when it comes to installation and choosing the right hardware. Here’s something you may not have considered: just use a smartphone to take the place of a physical camera.
What to do with an old iPad (or iPhone): 10 DIY uses
You can count on death, taxes, and a steady stream of shiny new Apple devices vying for your money. We upgrade even when the old one works perfectly fine. This poses the question: What to do with the old one?
Your old device contains a lot of personal information. Be sure you thoroughly erase everything before selling it or trading it in for a discount. Tap or click here for the important steps you need to take to be sure all your personal data is off that old device for good.
Beware of cheap car insurance that could put your privacy at risk
Car technology has been getting more and more advanced lately. You can do things like make phone calls through your car’s audio system, play music from your phone and get directions to appear right on your dashboard.
Add peace of mind to your trips with these amazing dashcam deals
Accountability is everything when it comes to driving. That’s the reason cars come equipped with mirrors, turn signals and other non-verbal ways to communicate with other drivers.
But when an accident occurs, it’s your word versus the other person’s. Your insurance can mediate between both parties, but in a complicated crash, it ultimately becomes a game of he-said-she-said. Tap or click here to see how Google’s new app can detect car crashes and call 911.