If you regularly take a taxi or use rideshare services, then you have probably noticed that an increasing number of drivers are using single-camera dash cams and in some cases even dual-camera dash cams featuring a second camera pointed towards the interior of their vehicle. Typically, it is not single-camera dash cams that most passenger take issue with because they are only likely to capture you briefly while the car pulls up to a stop. The main purpose of these devices is to help protect the driver against unjustified charges or fraudulent insurance claims with the footage they capture when an accident occurs. There is a benefit for riders here too, since there is plenty of evidence that dash cam footage helps to support injury claims and speed up the claims process, whether your driver was at fault or not.
For many passengers, however, an inward-facing camera can feel like an unwelcome intrusion into what may be considered as a private space. While we are used to CCTV in public spaces like town centers, and inside the trains and buses we take to get around them, it is not unreasonable to expect a degree of privacy in a privately hired vehicle. Should we be worried that our driver is filming us, and that they may be recording our conversations?
But before you decide to ditch that cab or cancel that Uber, it is worth pausing to consider how the presence of inward-facing camera can make your ride safer and more secure for both you and your driver.
Why Cab Drivers Film Passengers
Overwhelmingly, taxi drivers who install dual-camera dash cams do it for their own protection. Professional drivers have a right to work without fear of verbal or physical attack and to expect that customers will pay after the trip. Recording footage acts as a deterrent against assaults and non-payment, and it also means the driver has evidence if either of those things happen.
As a law-abiding rider, you may still argue that your privacy is being infringed because of the actions of a minority of unscrupulous passengers. But it is important to realize that the benefits of dual-camera dash cams cut both ways. Governments, licensing authorities, and taxi and rideshare companies want to protect drivers, but they have a duty of care to passengers too. While licensed drivers are typically vetted for criminal convictions and health problems, there are the occasional cases of drivers kidnapping or assaulting passengers. By ensuring cars are fitted with dual-camera dash cams, taxi and rideshare companies can offer passengers extra protection against these rare, but very frightening possibilities.
Smile, You’re on Cabby Camera
Besides the obvious benefit of safeguarding drivers and passengers, there are other more subtle advantages to dual-camera dash cams. For example, knowing that the journey is being recorded makes drivers more mindful of their behavior. This can lead to improved driving standards, especially where the footage is used to deliver enhanced driver training programs. There is a more personal benefit too, because when drivers know that they are being recorded, they are more likely to act courteously towards their passengers.
The most advanced dual-camera AI dash cams like our VIA Mobile360 D700 AI Dash Cam go beyond simple video recording by including a sophisticated DSS (Driver Safety System) that alerts the driver when it detects signs of drowsiness, distracted driving, and risky or illegal behaviors such as smartphone usage and smoking. This not only ensures an even smoother and more comfortable ride, but also further reduces the possibility of disputes arising between the driver and passenger.
While dual-camera dash cam technology does lead to a loss of privacy, it also provides increased security and peace of mind. Perhaps the next time you hail a taxi or call a rideshare vehicle and notice that a dual-camera dash cam is installed, you should take it as sign that your ride is more likely to be a safe and pleasant one.
VIA Mobile360 D700 AI Dash Cam
The VIA Mobile360 D700 AI Dash Cam combines cutting-edge AI-powered accident prevention and driver monitoring features with dual 1080p cameras, ultra-reliable 4G LTE connectivity, and seamless cloud integration to provide a robust and high-performance dual-camera device that is ideal for fleet management applications such as taxis and ride-hailing services. Learn more about the VIA Mobile360 D700 AI Dash Cam here.
