A Witness to any Accident

[BeeJay]

I came across this device, a video camera combined with a GPS unit. It allows you to record your journey, with data, and in the event of an accident or a prosecution for speeding to have evidence to back up your story. A 'black box' for cars.

I am not sure as to their legal standing, ie the police say the speed camera states you were over the speed limit, but your Smart Witness shows you were driving at or below the speed limit.

Has anyone used one ? At £200+ it is a little expensive to buy just as a toy.

Check it out at:

http://loveoftechnology.wordpress.com/ - look at the video link, bottom right of the page, which shows the camera in use

 

[Xtractorfan]

really fantastic if plod got his hands on it and you had been speeding or driving recklessly on previous recorded occasions

 

[BeeJay]

Speeding? Driving recklessly? Moi? Surely not ! :lol:

 

[stuartmac]

Hi,

Perhaps better is one I came across in the trucks of a drinks supplier - in the event of a bump (or the driver pressing a button in the cab), it records (I think) the previous 30 seconds and subsequent 5 minutes.

Only problem is, from the drivers' pov, the bump detector can be bit sensitive, and a speed bump or pothole has caused several drivers to be recorded smoking and/or using a mobile 'phone. :Oops:

Regards,

 

[BeeJay]

Stuart

Apparently this device does the same. Useful for an accident, but does not help if you want to challenge a speeding fine.

Its a nice idea,, but how long before the insurance companies offer a discount if you install them, and when sufficient users have them start lobbying parliament to make them compulsory ?

 

[television]

Maybe just for the over 75's

 

[BeeJay]

I have a way to go then, as on my last birthday I celebrated my 21st birthday (for the thirty fourth time)

 

[mbenz76]

Having been in an accident once which was not my fault but which I was blamed for, I would have loved one of these gadgets in my car.

I'd definitely have one I think, but would want an insurance discount for having it.

I am surprised the larger manufacturers don't offer something like this as a factory fit option to be honest - I think quite a few people would opt for it.

 

[BeeJay]

I think a lot of people would be wary of the 'witness' becoming the 'spy in the cab'.

 

[Jon Stead]

I believe there are so many insurance claims which are bogus in the States that a lot of cars, most buses if not all, and goods vehicles have cameras as stndard these days.

 

[jberks]

I believe they are more common in the states, especially for younger drivers.

I have mixed feelings. Whilst I would happily contest as pure fundraising and completely unrelated to road safety, my last speeding conviction - 50 in a 40 on a steep downhill section of dual carriageway 100yds short of a 70 marker with no intersections or other hazards - I can't argue that I wasn't speeding. I was. I can't say any of my speeding convictions over the years have been innacurate. Pointless and unnecessary, yes, innacurate, no. On the other side, whilst I am a fabulous driver, better than anyone else, occasionally I may not live up to my stellar standards momentarily and there are some things I'd rather weren't recorded!

The only time I could think that it would have been useful was my Wife's collision a few years back. She insists that the other driver was over the white line and that she was on her own side of the road (albeit turning right), but, aside from, the damage strongly supporting her story, we had insufficient evidence to prove it so it went 50/50. A video recording may have been handy.

 

[Jon Stead]

I believe they are more common in the states, especially for younger drivers.

I have mixed feelings. Whilst I would happily contest as pure fundraising and completely unrelated to road safety, my last speeding conviction - 50 in a 40 on a steep downhill section of dual carriageway 100yds short of a 70 marker with no intersections or other hazards - I can't argue that I wasn't speeding. I was. I can't say any of my speeding convictions over the years have been innacurate. Pointless and unnecessary, yes, innacurate, no. On the other side, whilst I am a fabulous driver, better than anyone else, occasionally I may not live up to my stellar standards momentarily and there are some things I'd rather weren't recorded!

The only time I could think that it would have been useful was my Wife's collision a few years back. She insists that the other driver was over the white line and that she was on her own side of the road (albeit turning right), but, aside from, the damage strongly supporting her story, we had insufficient evidence to prove it so it went 50/50. A video recording may have been handy.

I think these are the type of situations that they are being mainly used for!

 

[BeeJay]

It seems from the responses that no one has used one, I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has. If the price dipped below £100 I might be tempted.

 

[Dosco]

On the other side, whilst I am a fabulous driver, better than anyone else,

I take exception to the above statement because it is a well known fact that I and only I AM THE BEST of the BEST all others are far down the line when measured against MY absolute skill, ability, knowledge, other driver consideration (as long as they get out of MY way) flare, strict adherence to all motoring law, steadfast supporter of safety camera's and concealed mobile speed 'monitors' and those much maligned 'traffic and parking management personnel'

So there