PETALING JAYA (ANN/THE STAR) – Once considered an optional accessory, dashboard cameras (dashcams) are now seen as an essential tool for promoting road safety and fostering better driving behaviour, according to industry stakeholders. Calls are growing for making dashcams mandatory, particularly for commercial vehicles, as they demonstrate significant benefits in reducing accidents, improving accountability, and curbing insurance fraud.
Advocating for mandatory dashcams
Transport consultant Wan Agyl Wan Hassan highlighted the transformative impact of dashcams on road safety.
“When drivers know they’re being recorded, they’re less likely to speed, tailgate, or engage in aggressive behaviour. It’s human nature; we behave better when we know someone is watching,” he said.
Wan Agyl also suggested integrating dashcams with artificial intelligence systems to not only record driving habits but also prevent potential accidents.
“It’s not just about catching mistakes; it’s about correcting them before they lead to accidents. Dashcams provide a layer of protection against false claims or unfair blame in an accident, creating a win-win for everyone on the road,” he added.
Benefits for commercial vehicles
Wan Agyl proposed prioritising mandatory dashcams for commercial vehicles, such as lorries and buses, where accountability is crucial. He also suggested offering incentives like insurance discounts or tax deductions for private drivers to encourage installation.
However, he emphasised the need for clear laws on data protection and footage usage to ensure drivers’ privacy is respected.
Unbiased evidence and safety data
Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua, head of the Road Safety Research Centre at Universiti Putra Malaysia, underscored the value of dashcams in providing clear, unbiased evidence in accidents and aiding in dispute resolution.
“They promote safer driving by deterring reckless behaviour, support law enforcement in investigations, and provide valuable data for improving road safety,” he said.
Malaysian Automotive Association president Mohd Shamsor Mohd Zain echoed these sentiments, highlighting that dashcams deter fraud, encourage safer driving, and simplify insurance claims.
“Drivers tend to be more cautious when being recorded. Dashcams also provide clear evidence in accidents, helping to determine fault and prevent fraud,” he said.
Cost and accessibility
While supporting the idea of making dashcams a standard or optional feature in vehicles, Mohd Shamsor acknowledged the potential cost impact on vehicle ownership.
“Basic dashcams cost between MYR150 and MYR200, while advanced models with GPS and Wi-Fi can go up to MYR1,500. Including them could increase costs, particularly for lower-priced models,” he explained.
Public opinion and privacy concerns
A 2022 survey by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) found that 80.4 per cent of respondents supported mandating dashcams in cars, while 83.6 per cent believed dashcams improved their driving behaviour and adherence to road rules.
However, Miros chairman Prof Dr Wong Shaw Voon raised privacy concerns, particularly for private vehicles.
“If mandated, how do we manage drivers’ privacy? Should motorists have a say if recordings are handed over to authorities?” he questioned.
Wong supported the installation of dashcams on commercial vehicles, suggesting the development of standard technical specifications to ensure compliance.
Balancing safety and privacy
While the push for mandatory dashcams gains momentum, balancing safety benefits with privacy concerns remains a critical challenge. Stakeholders agree that comprehensive regulations and incentives will be key to making dashcams a standard feature in vehicles without compromising the rights of drivers.
