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2025, Dashcam

The Value of Dashcams: Protecting Yourself on the Road

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In today’s fast-paced motoring world, staying safe on the road is more important than ever. With accidents, fraudulent claims, and road rage incidents on the rise, a small but powerful gadget can make all the difference – the dashcam. Breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist has highlighted the increasing value of dashcams in ensuring safer roads and providing crucial evidence in case of incidents.

Why Invest in a Dashcam?

A dashcam is a small camera that mounts inside your vehicle to record the road ahead. Some models also include a rear-facing camera for full coverage. Dashcams have become significantly more affordable, with prices starting from as little as £20. This makes them an accessible tool for drivers looking to protect themselves from false claims, ‘crash-for-cash’ scams, and dangerous drivers.

James Luckhurst, GEM’s Head of Road Safety, emphasises the benefits: “If you’re a safe, conscientious driver, a dashcam helps protect your no-claims bonus, as well as allowing you to play your part in reporting offences, road rage incidents, and scams.”

Key Benefits of Using a Dashcam

  • Evidence in Case of Accidents: A dashcam provides clear footage that can help prove fault in an accident, protecting you against fraudulent claims.
  • Lower Insurance Premiums: Many insurers offer discounts to drivers who use dashcams, potentially reducing costs by up to 20%.
  • Theft and Vandalism Deterrent: Parking mode enables dashcams to record even when the vehicle is stationary, discouraging theft and vandalism.
  • Improved Driving Habits: New drivers can review footage to assess and enhance their driving skills.
  • Capturing Unexpected Moments: From close calls to beautiful scenic drives, your dashcam can record experiences worth sharing.

What to Look for in a Dashcam

If you’re considering purchasing a dashcam, here are some essential features to consider:

  • Video Quality: A minimum of 1080p resolution is recommended, with good low-light performance for night driving.
  • Wide-Angle Lens: A wider field of view ensures more road coverage.
  • GPS Functionality: Helps track speed and location, adding valuable data to recordings.
  • Loop Recording: Ensures continuous recording by overwriting old footage when the memory fills up.
  • Parking Mode: Offers surveillance when the car is parked, providing extra security.

The Legal Side of Dashcams

Dashcams are completely legal to use on UK roads, provided they do not obstruct the driver’s view. While they can be valuable in protecting you, it’s worth noting that dashcam footage can also be used against you in legal proceedings. If you’re at fault in an accident, your own dashcam could provide evidence to support a claim against you.

Additionally, if you submit footage of an offence to the police, you must be prepared to provide a statement and attend court if necessary. However, GEM notes that fewer than 2% of cases progress to a full trial.

How Dashcams Affect Insurance

A growing number of UK insurance providers recognise the benefits of dashcams and offer discounts to drivers who use them. Discounts typically range from 5% to 20%, depending on the insurer. The rationale is simple: dashcam users tend to be safer drivers, reducing the likelihood of accidents and fraudulent claims.

Final Thoughts

With the price of dashcams dropping and their benefits increasing, now is an excellent time to invest in one. As James Luckhurst concludes: “Fitting a dashcam is a sound move for road safety. Once installed, it’s good to know it can protect you in incidents where it might otherwise be your word against someone else’s.”

That said, a dashcam should complement—not replace—safe and courteous driving. By maintaining care, courtesy, and concentration on the road, we can all contribute to making UK roads safer for everyone.

For a more in-depth guide to fitting and using a dashcam, check out the Spring 2025 edition of GEM’s Good Motoring magazine.

2024, 4G, Gadget Man, Hardware, Matt Porter, Mobile, Mobile Phone, Review, Rugged Devices, Rugged Smartphones, Smart Devices, Smart Phone, Technology, Telephones, The Gadget Man

The Ultimate Tool for Tough Environments: Meet the Hammer Construction

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In a world where smartphones are getting sleeker and more fragile, Hammer Construction steps in as the Spartan of mobile devices. Forget about treating your phone with kid gloves – this 6-inch ruggedized smartphone is built for those who need a robust, reliable tool for their demanding jobs.

Built Like a Tank

Hammer Construction is not just a smartphone; it’s a powerhouse of durability. Encased in bumpers and fortified with Gorilla Glass, it laughs in the face of dust and water with its IP69 rating. Dropped it from 1.8 meters? No problem – this device is designed to endure the harshest of environments.

The Ultimate Tool for Tough Environments: Meet the Hammer Construction
Technical Brilliance

Under the hood, Hammer Construction is equipped with the MediaTek G85 octa-core processor, ARM G52 MC2 graphics, and 6 GB of RAM, ensuring it can handle any task you throw at it. With 128 GB of internal storage, expandable up to a whopping 1024 GB via SD card, you’ll never run out of space for your critical data.

A Suite of Tools

This is where Hammer Construction truly shines. It’s not just a smartphone; it’s a toolbox in your pocket. The rangefinder can measure distances up to 40 meters, perfect for construction sites or outdoor activities. The toolkit suite includes a protractor, compass, gradienter, flashlight, paint hanger, magnifier, alarm bell, plumb bob, and barometer – it’s like carrying a Swiss Army knife with a touchscreen.

Capture Every Moment

In terms of photography, the Hammer Construction doesn’t compromise. Its 16MP main camera captures detailed photos, while the 8MP wide-angle lens with a 120-degree field of view is perfect for panoramic shots. The 0.1MP depth sensor adds a professional touch to your portraits, ensuring that every shot is Instagram-ready, even if your hands are covered in dirt.

Battery That Lasts

Battery anxiety is a thing of the past with the Hammer Construction. With a 28-hour talk time and 400 hours of standby, this phone keeps going as long as you do. Both wireless and plugin charging at 15W ensure you’re back in action in no time.

User-Friendly Design

Despite its rugged build, the Hammer Construction doesn’t skimp on user-friendly features. Running Android 12 with GMS certification, it offers a smooth, intuitive experience. The side fingerprint reader ensures quick, secure access, while the 3.5 mm headphone jack keeps traditionalists happy.

Final Verdict

The Hammer Construction is more than just a rugged smartphone; it’s a dependable companion for anyone who works hard and plays harder. Whether you’re on a construction site, an outdoor adventure, or simply someone who tends to be tough on their tech, this phone stands ready to meet your challenges head-on.

Hammer has truly created a masterpiece of resilience and functionality – a phone that’s as tough as you are.

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Smart Phone Accessories: Your Phone’s New Best Friends

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So, are you ready to take your trusty phone from great to “Wow, is that even the same phone?” with some seriously cool accessories? Let’s dive into this world of nifty gadgets that are not just useful, but kind of life-changing too.

Battery Cases: Your Phone’s Knight In Shining Armor

Do you know that sinking feeling when you see the dreaded “low battery” notification? Well, stress no more! A battery case is like having a superhero for your phone. It’s not just a protective layer; it’s a power boost when you need it most. Think of it as your phone’s secret energy snack. Plus, they look pretty sleek too!

Portable Projectors: The World Is Your Theater

Ever thought of watching a movie under the stars? With a portable projector for your smartphone, you can. These little wonders can turn any blank wall into a cinema screen. They’re perfect for movie nights, sharing vacation photos, or even giving a presentation. It’s like having a theatre in your pocket!

Camera Attachments: Your Phone’s New Eyes

Your phone’s camera is already great, but with these clip-on lenses, it’s like giving it a superpower. Snap-on a wide-angle, macro, or fish-eye lens and watch your photography game soar. It’s like seeing the world through a whole new lens (literally!). Get ready for your social media to light up with likes!

Styluses: Because Your Finger Isn’t Always Enough

For the creatives out there, a stylus can transform your smartphone into a canvas or a notepad. Whether you’re sketching, jotting down notes, or just navigating, a stylus can give you that precision touch. It’s like having a magic pen that turns your phone into a hub of creativity.

Wireless Earbuds: Your Personal Sound Oasis

The right pair of wireless earbuds can totally change how you experience sound. Whether it’s for music, calls, or gaming, they create this little bubble of audio just for you. And the best part? No more wrestling with tangled wires. It’s like giving your ears a first-class ticket to Sample City or Trancentral. One heads up, always make sure they’re charged, you don’t want to get caught with those babies without power when you really need them. I recommend the Edifier Neobuds Pro 2.

Wireless Charging Pads: Effortless Energy

Wireless charging pads are like those fancy plates at a restaurant but for your phone. Just set your phone down and watch it charge. No more fumbling with cords or trying to plug in in the dark. They’re not just convenient; they add a touch of class to wherever you put them.

So, what do you think? Ready to give your smartphone a makeover with these awesome accessories? Trust me, once you start exploring these gadgets, you’ll see your phone in a whole new light. Here’s to making our smartphones not just smart, but genius!