Buzz
YouTube has turned into a vault for countless lyric videos, comedic parodies, and, it seems, an overwhelming amount of shocking content filmed by dash cams in Russia. In one recent viral video, a man faces off with the driver behind him, only to be assaulted by several people dressed in costumes, including SpongeBob SquarePants.
While dash cams are not entirely unknown in the United States, they aren't as widely used by everyday drivers. They're primarily seen in vehicles belonging to police officers or highway patrol. So, why are these cameras such an integral part of the Russian driving experience?
Approximately one million Russian drivers have equipped their vehicles with dashboard cameras. Though some capture extraordinary events like the 10-ton meteor that exploded in the sky last year, these cameras are predominantly used for one simple purpose: to safeguard the truth and ensure justice when it comes to road accidents.
In 2012, Al Jazeera interviewed drivers who always make sure their cameras are running while on the road. One motorist explained that many people believe police officers are more interested in accepting bribes than enforcing traffic laws, often bending or completely disregarding them to serve their own interests. A camera can protect you from false accusations.
“In Russia, it’s essential to have a camera mounted on your dashboard. It’s much safer than keeping a lead pipe hidden under your seat for protection,” writes Marina Galperina, a blogger from New York originally from Russia.
Galperina points out that hit-and-run accidents are “all too frequent,” and insurance companies have begun denying claims without sufficient proof. Witnesses aren’t much help either, as Russian courts often descend into confusion and disputes over who said what after a traffic accident. “Dash-cam footage is the only reliable way to back up your claims in court,” Galperina explains.
The camera records continuously until its limited memory fills up, at which point it overwrites itself and starts recording again. If an accident occurs, the footage can be extracted and used later. The technology is much more affordable—ranging from $50 to $200—compared to insurance. With weak law enforcement and numerous scams on the road, including staged accidents and pre-damaged cars being passed off as new cases, buying insurance can be prohibitively expensive. A low-cost camera can save you thousands, which is why so many Russian drivers use them.
