The Importance of Dash Cams for Uber and Lyft Drivers: Tips and More

Ride-share apps are more popular than ever, and becoming a driver is a wonderful side gig or full-time job. But when you’re constantly on the road, allowing strangers into your car, safety and security need to be a top priority. That’s where dash cams come into play.

Documenting your trips provides an invaluable layer of protection for both you and your vehicle. But before you purchase a camera, it’s important to know your recording rights, the best types of dash cams for Uber and Lyft drivers, and how to use the devices effectively. In this article, we’re going to discuss all that and much more, so let’s get into it!

Is It Legal for Ride-Share Drivers to Install Dash Cams?

Ride-share drivers are typically allowed to use dash cams while working. As a driver, you first have to consider the rules and regulations of your area. In places like the United States and the United Kingdom, dash cams are legal in personal and commercial vehicles. But different municipalities may have unique privacy laws that you need to abide by.

Once you’ve determined dash cams are legal in your area, check your ride-sharing app’s policies to see if cams are allowed while working or if there are certain guidelines you must follow. In most cases, ride-sharing apps only require drivers to comply with local laws and regulations.

Uber and Lyft Policies

Uber and Lyft allow drivers to use dash cams and other recording devices while completing transportation services. Drivers must follow community guidelines and not broadcast video or audio recordings of passengers. Broadcasting recordings without permission could lead to your account being disabled.

Dash Cam Benefits for Ride-Share Drivers

So, why should ride-share drivers even consider installing dash cams? Well, utilizing car cams offers you truth and security–there’s a reason they were once primarily used by law enforcement. Let’s take a closer look at the principal dash cam benefits for ride-share drivers.

Driver Protection

Discourage Rude Behavior

In addition to protecting drivers from altercations and false claims, they can also be used to discourage rude behavior. Just the presence of the car cam acts as a visible reminder of accountability. It will create a more professional atmosphere, resulting in more courteous and appreciative passengers. Also, a decreased rate of rude riders leads to a much more pleasant working experience–who doesn’t want that?

Documentation of Accidents and Incidents

Provide useful, relevant informaOf all the dash cam benefits for ride-share drivers, the documentation of accidents and incidents tops the list. You never know what’s going to happen on the road. You may get rear-ended, witness drunk drivers, or a number of other possibilities. Dash cams will document everything you see while driving and collect evidence for insurance claims and police reports. The footage will clearly break down the series of events that led to the incidents and identify which parties were responsible for them.tion. Show prospects how to use your product, give them instructions or how-tos, and/or entertain them.

What Type of Dash Cam is Best for Ride-Share Drivers?

Dash cams for Uber and Lyft drivers come in all shapes and sizes. Since car accidents and passenger altercations can affect your livelihood, there are some important features you want to consider. Of course, all drivers will benefit from high-quality cameras with wide-angle lenses that specify the date and time of recordings. But let’s take a closer look at specific dash cam features for ride-share drivers.

Three Channel Cams

The best dash cams for Uber and Lyft drivers will record the road in front and behind the car and the interior of the vehicle. These are referred to as three-channel dash cams. Installing a three-channel cam will provide you with the most coverage possible, ensuring you have evidence no matter where an incident takes place. The next best option is a two-channel cam. These devices will record the road in front of the car and either the interior of the vehicle or the road behind the car. Two-channel cams don’t provide as much coverage, but they are more effective than car cams that only shoot what’s in front of the vehicle.

Low-Light Performance

Not all dash cams perform well in low lighting–that’s a problem if you work evenings and nights. Look for products that are able to provide high-quality footage no matter the lighting conditions to ensure you capture clear evidence if an incident occurs. Read product descriptions, check reviews, and look for demonstration videos to verify a product’s low-light performance before making a purchase.

Parking Mode

Driving isn’t the only time car cams come in handy. The best dash cams for Uber and Lyft drivers will also record while the car is parked. As you wait for passengers, any incidents around your vehicle will be captured and can be used as evidence. Additionally, if you are driving into unfamiliar areas and temporarily park your car, the parking mode will document any break-ins or vandalism.

Audio Recording

Sometimes threats or harassments are purely verbal. So, audio recording could be an important feature of dash cams for Uber and Lyft drivers. If you do encounter a verbally threatening passenger, the dash cam will provide sufficient evidence to make a claim against the rider. Certain municipalities have different rules regarding audio recording, so check your local laws.

How Ride-Share Drivers Can Use Dash Cams Effectively

Once you purchase a dash cam, it’s crucial that you know how to use it effectively. If you don’t find the optimal placement, regularly verify the product’s performance, or have proper passenger courtesy, you won’t be taking full advantage of having a dash cam. So, here are some tips to keep in your back pocket.

Positioning

Hide Cables
Exposed wires aren’t a good look. If you’re using a dash cam with cables, look for ways to conceal them. Try tucking wires into the headliner (the material that covers the ceiling) and underneath the glove box. It will give off a more professional appearance, which will positively impact customer reviews.
Find a Centralized Placement
Dash cams for Uber and Lyft drivers need to be optimally placed. If you’re using a dual cam that captures the road in front of the vehicle and the interior, find a centralized spot that doesn’t obstruct your view. The cam should face forward (not at an angle), provide comprehensive road coverage, and clearly show passengers sitting in the front and back of the car.
Test the View
Don’t just randomly place a dash cam without testing the view. Once you find a placement, walk in front of your car to see where the frame cuts off. You should also sit in each seat to ensure that passengers will be monitored no matter where they choose to sit.

Maintenance

Keep the Lens Clean
The interior of cars gets dusty. So, regularly clean your dash cam’s lens to make sure you’re capturing clear footage that can be used as decisive evidence in the case of an accident or incident with a passenger. To clean the lens, use a microfiber cloth, a lens cleaning solution, and compressed air.
Verify Functionality
Technical issues happen, whether it’s a defective cam or a loose cable. Before you begin driving, double-check that the camera is on and recording. It would also be wise to periodically review the footage to verify there are no glitches or other issues that could prevent clear documentation of events.
Replace Old SD Cards
SD cards typically last several years without issues. However, if your dash cam has a looping feature, it can cause them to degrade quicker. Consider replacing the SD card every year or two for the best performance possible.

Passenger Courtesy

Inform Passengers
When you pick up a passenger, inform them that you use a dash cam for driver and passenger safety purposes, but the footage will only be used in the case of an accident or incident. The presence of a dash cam that captures the interior of the car may make passengers feel uncomfortable if you fail to explain its purpose and benefits.
Maintain Professionalism
When informing passengers of your dash cam, it’s important to maintain professionalism, especially if they ask questions or have concerns. Be prepared to cite the policies of the ride-sharing app and local laws to eliminate any doubts about the legality of using a dash cam.

Final Thoughts

Anything can happen on the road. Dash cams for Uber and Lyft drivers provide a layer of safety and protection for everyone in the car. As the driver, you’ll enjoy the benefits of fewer disrespectful clients, clear evidence of accidents to send to insurance agencies, and decreased chances of aggressive confrontations. So, don’t wait to take control of your work experience and find the perfect dash cam for you!