Students are divided over whether new device would be worth the money or just one more thing to worry about
A new product allows consumers to replace their rear view mirror with a camera that will record out of the windshield, acting as evidence in case of an accident.
While the engine is running, the video camera on the back of the rear view mirror records and saves onto an SD memory card.
It also has a 2 1/2 inch screen built into the mirror for playing back recordings.
“If you were in a serious accident, which is when you would probably need it the most, it would probably get damaged and wouldn’t be useful,” said Alyssa McFarlane, a freshman in psychology.
Many people are resistant to buy the product, especially at the price of $450, because it may provide evidence against them rather than in favor of them.
“Unless insurance paid for it, I probably wouldn’t pay $450 for it,” said Megan Kerns, a graduate student in education.
One of the major downfalls to the camera is that it only records the front of the car.
So if a vehicle is hit on the side, no evidence is recorded.
“Most accidents where it is questionable about who was at fault don’t occur in the front of your vehicle. The front angle wouldn’t be that useful,” McFarlane said.
The driver may also be blamed if the camera shows him or her driving at excessive speeds.
The memory card is removable. However, removing it before police officers arrive after an accident may be considered tampering with evidence.
Cameras similar to these are already in use in police cars.
Many may already have an idea as to how a camera like this may work.
Viewers of television shows like, “World’s Wildest Police Chases” have seen the use of these cameras by law enforcement to document car chases.
The cameras are used to record any incidents in which the police officers are involved.
“I can see how this product may be useful to some drivers, (but) I can’t see how this would appeal to a wider market,” said Rachel Folsom, a freshman in biological science. “I feel that with the majority of wrecks, it is usually very clear as to who was at fault. If you aren’t a cautious driver, and are causing wrecks more than a few times a year, I probably would steer clear of this product.”
Some students do not see this camera as something worth buying just yet.
At the high cost and the increased likelihood of being blamed for an accident, students do not seem too eager to buy these video cameras for their cars.
Many view it as more of a trap they themselves might fall victim to than an impartial, watchful eye.
They recognize the technology’s ability to both help and hurt them.
“It’s working in the right direction, but it’s not there yet,” Kerns said.
Byron Ford, a sophomore in building science, said he wouldn’t want this product because it would be another “big brother” tool for the government and insurance to use against him.
“This is an awful idea and is not needed in any kind of situation,” Ford said.
