Why Every Rideshare Driver Needs a Dashcam
Posted by The Dashcam Store on Apr 12, 2023
Whether you're driving for a rideshare company as a side gig or going all-in with Uber or Lyft, it's a smart move to protect yourself and your car with a dashcam while you're on the clock. By the way, rideshare dashcams work great for taxis, carpools, and teen drivers too! We think everyone can benefit from the extra safety, security, and peace of mind a dashcam provides, but it's especially important for rideshare drivers to have one keeping an eye on every trip.
Having a dashcam that records both audio and video in your car while you're working can really come in handy if you find yourself in an accident on the job, dealing with a rowdy passenger on a late-night ride, needing evidence to back up a clean-up fee dispute, or wanting to challenge an unfair driver rating. These are just a few examples of how a dashcam can make life a bit easier for Uber, Lyft, and taxi drivers!
The video is below is a prime example of how having a dashcam can provide irrefutable evidence of an incident.
The video serves as an excellent example of how a dashcam can be a game-changer for a rideshare driver. Without it, the driver would have been unable to identify the person who stole his tip money and lacked the necessary evidence to prove the crime. Theft is just one of many circumstances where a dashcam would have been useful, and we have listed a few more of our top reasons below.
- Protection from False Accusations: One of the most significant benefits of using a dashcam is protection from false accusations. A dashcam records footage of what happened while driving, providing evidence that can be used to prove innocence or defend against false allegations. For example, if someone accuses a driver of hitting their car or breaking traffic laws, a dashcam can provide concrete evidence that the driver did not commit the alleged offense.
- Evidence in Case of Accidents: Dashcams can also provide valuable evidence in case of an accident. The footage captured by the dashcam can be used to determine the cause of the accident and who was at fault. This evidence can be crucial in legal proceedings, insurance claims, and police reports.
- Deterrent Against Crime: The presence of a dashcam can deter potential criminals from attempting to commit a crime or vandalism. Knowing that their actions are being recorded can discourage criminals from attempting to break into or damage a vehicle, protecting both the vehicle and its contents.
- Personal Safety: In case of an emergency, a dashcam can help capture important footage that may assist first responders and law enforcement. For example, if a driver is involved in an accident, a dashcam can record footage of the incident that may help emergency responders better understand the situation and provide assistance more quickly. Or, a cloud-capable dashcam can allow a loved one to keep track of your whereabouts and check up on you while you drive.
Overall, using a dashcam can provide peace of mind and protect drivers in a variety of situations.
Popular Dashcam Brands for Rideshare
There are many different types of dashcams available on the market, each with their own set of features and capabilities. Here are our most popular dashcam brands:
BlackVue
BlackVue is an industry-leading brand that offers a range of dashcams with features such as built-in Wi-Fi, GPS, and cloud connectivity. Some models also include advanced features like 4K video and built-in 4G/LTE.
Our Recommendation for Rideshare: DR970X-2CH-IR
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Garmin
Garmin is a trusted name in GPS navigation technology, and their dashcams are no exception to their quality offerings. Garmin offer a variety of models with features like voice control, automatic incident detection, and high-quality video resolution.
Our Recommendation for Rideshare: Dash Cam Tandem
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VIOFO
VIOFO is a newer player in the dashcam market, but they have gained a reputation for producing high-quality dashcams at affordable prices. Their cameras include features like GPS, Wi-Fi, unique features and sleek aesthetics.
Our Recommendation for Rideshare: T130-3CH
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Vantrue
Vantrue is another popular brand of dashcams that offers a range of models with features like built-in Wi-Fi, advanced safety features, and reasonable prices. Some of their models also include rear-facing cameras for added protection.
Our Recommendation for Rideshare: N4
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Nextbase
Sporting its current award-winning Series-2 dashcams, Nextbase continues to push the world of dashcams into the future, bringing new and revolutionary features to the dash cam market such as partnerships with Amazon Alexa and what3words, and introducing the lifesaving Emergency SOS feature to dash cams.
Our Recommendation for Rideshare: 422GW With Add-On Cabin-facing Camera
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If you're having trouble deciding on a rideshare dashcam, check out our handy rideshare dashcam guide. Or feel free to reach out, we're always happy to help!
Features to Consider When Choosing a Dashcam for Rideshare
When choosing a dashcam, there are several features to consider, such as:
- Interior Camera: An interior-facing camera lens is the most important feature to consider. This provides evidence in the event of an accident or altercation with a passenger. If positioned correctly, it can also view the rear view window, doubling as a partial rear camera.
- Video quality: Look for a camera with high video resolution and a wide-angle lens to capture not only a broad view of the road but important details such as license plate information.
- Infrared/Night Vision: An incredibly important feature. Nighttime is when rideshare drivers are at their most risk when dealing with drunk and shady passengers. Night vision will ensure every detail is captured, no matter how dark.
- GPS: Some dashcams include GPS functionality, which can help provide location data and speed information in case of an accident or incident.
- Wi-Fi: Built-in Wi-Fi can make it easier to transfer video footage to your phone for immediate backup.
- Cloud: Having a cloud-capable dashcam gives you or your family the ability to stay connected to your dashcam. Real-time GPS location is a great option for people who drive in dangerous areas to let loved ones know where you are at all times. Other features such as file sharing, live view monitoring, incident alerts, and mobile hotspot functionality, which are essential features to consider when your vehicle is your livelihood.
- The BlackVue DR770X-2CH-IR-LTE has built-in LTE with an included 4G SIM Card giving you access to cloud 24/7 from anywhere in the world.
Dashcams and Rideshare Services
Uber Drivers and Dashcams
Do Uber Drivers Have to Inform the Company They Have a Dashcam?
Uber does not require you to inform the company although they do recommend that you register it with them. A few considerations to take note of however:
Type of Dashcam Recommended for Uber Drivers
Uber recommends that their drivers use a dashcam that records both the road and the interior of the car, providing footage of both the road and passengers. This can help protect the driver in case of accidents or false allegations by passengers.
Should the Uber driver tell the passengers about the dashcam?
Yes, when riders hop into a rideshare car with a dashcam, they may have some reservations about how their image, conversations, or the footage will be utilized. It's important to note that in some places, local laws and regulations mandate that riders provide their consent to being recorded. To stay on the safe side, make sure you understand your legal obligations by checking the laws in your area.
We offer a variety of warning stickers to help notify your passengers that audio and video recording is in progress in your vehicle.
Posting Uber ride footage of passengers online
It's crucial to note that sharing or streaming a person's image, audio, or video recording on social media or any other digital or physical public spaces is considered a violation of Uber's Community Guidelines. Such actions may prompt further investigation by their safety team. Therefore, always respect other people's privacy and refrain from sharing any footage on public platforms without their explicit consent.
Lyft Drivers and Dashcams
Can Lyft Drivers Use a Dashcam?
Lyft allows its drivers to use a dashcam, as long as it complies with local laws and regulations. The company recommends that drivers inform passengers that they are being recorded.
Why Some Lyft Drivers Have Cameras
Some Lyft drivers choose to use a dashcam for personal safety and protection, as well as evidence in case of accidents or false accusations by passengers.
Do Lyft Drivers Have to Have a Camera?
Lyft does not require its drivers to have a dashcam, but it is recommended for their own safety and protection. As with Uber, it is important to ensure that the dashcam complies with local laws and regulations.
Should the Lyft driver tell the passengers about the dash camera?
When riders get into a rideshare vehicle with a dashcam, they may be concerned about how their image, conversations, or the footage will be used. It's crucial to note that in certain areas, local laws and regulations require riders to give their consent to being recorded. To avoid any legal issues, make sure you're aware of your legal responsibilities by checking the laws in your region.
Posting Lyft ride footage of passengers online
It's important to remember that sharing or streaming someone's image, audio, or video recording on social media or any other public platforms is against Lyft's Community Guidelines. Doing so may result in further investigation by their safety team. It's essential to always respect other people's privacy and not share any footage on public platforms without their explicit consent. By doing so, we can create a safer and more respectful community for all.
Conclusion
To put it simply, a dashcam is a must-have for rideshare drivers. It's like having a judge and jury that records your every ride and saves the day in case of any issues. Plus, it keeps both you and your passengers safe and gives you peace of mind on the road. Just make sure to check your local laws for recording consent and never share any footage without permission, as it can get you in hot water with the platform's safety team.
The team here at The Dashcam Store is always happy to speak with you online, via email or over the phone, please contact us with any additional questions or concerns. We always do our best to respond to inquiries within 1 business day.