What’s the Difference Between Wireless and Wired Dashcams?
Dashcams offer an extra level of protection for fleets and drivers by capturing footage and imagery that drivers may not be aware of while they’re driving. Typically, these cameras capture the front of the vehicle but there are options to set up additional angles – rear or side windows. There are two ways that fleets can be equipped with dashcam technology and that is either wired or wireless.
How Wired or Wireless Dashcams Work
With wired dashcams, they are usually hardwired to the vehicles through the fuse box. Footage captured is saved locally on a memory card and fleet managers can download footage from there to their designated software. With wireless dashcams, they are connected to the internet (wi-fi) and footage is saved to a cloud-based system. Since wireless dashcams footage are cloud-based, fleet managers can access in real-time if needed.
Benefits of Wired and Wireless Dashcams
There are major benefits for an organization to have dashcams within their fleets. They include:
- Improved driver performance – Dashcams can not only help improve driver performance but can minimize the occurrence of risky behaviors. A key reason is that driving performance will gradually improve when a driver is aware they are being monitored. Secondly, dashcams create accountability by keeping a record of driving habits, which could cause drivers to avoid the risky behaviors. Furthermore, the dashcam can be used as a resource by fleet managers to help coach drivers.
- Defense against false claims – Dashcams provide HD video footage in the occurrence of an accident. Having this extra layer of protection can save an organization millions of dollars. First, having the footage can prove which party is at fault. Second, it could deter insurance fraud in the instance of a “staged accident”.
- Security – Some dashcams have the capability to record even when the vehicle is off. This can aid in the unfortunate event of vehicle theft or vandalism.
- Insurance Rate Options – Dashcams alone can’t lower insurance rates, but good driver habits, resulting in no or fewer accidents can possibly lead to lower premiums through “good driver” discounts. To see if this available, organizations are encouraged to check with their insurance provider to if this discount is available.
Here’s an additional list for wireless dashcams:
- Real-time Access – Managers can view real-time footage of the driver for tracking and status purposes.
- Storage Capability – By being cloud-based, there isn’t a standard limitation on how much footage can be stored.
- Secure Footage – Footage can be downloaded and save in an encrypted, secured file for privacy.
Even with the slight differences and capabilities of wired versus wireless dashcams, they are both equally beneficial to consider when managing a fleet.
