Transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft have changed the way most people travel. At its core, Uber and Lyft aren’t much different than the classic yellow cab taxis that you see in big cities. It’s the convenience of ordering a ride through an app and seeing real-time location of the ride that makes Uber and Lyft so much more appealing to use. I remember the hassle of ordering a taxi before Uber and shudder to think about having to do it again.
Driving for Uber is a popular option for making some money on the side. The requirements are pretty lax. As long as you’re 21 years old and have a 4-door car that is model year 2007 or newer, your chances of making money through Uber are high. The unfortunate reality of driving for transportation network companies is that you’ll be frequently dealing with drunk people. Let’s face it. Driving around drunk people sucks. The later it is, the more likely you’ll be dealing with the demon side of the person. You see stories all over the news about altercations that happen with intoxicated passengers and an Uber or Lyft driver. The best way to protect yourself is to get yourself a dash cam so that anything that happens doesn’t become a case of he said, she said. Here are our favorite choices for dash cams and accessories to go along with them.
Budget Dash Cam
YI 2.7″ Screen Wide Angle Dashboard Camera $39.99
The YI Smart Dash Camera features a high-end video processor with 1080p 60fps H.264 video recording. This system features G-Sensor technology that allows the camera to automatically save footage in the events leading up to a collision and immediately after for insurance disputes. The camera captures a 165-degree ultra-wide angle, which can monitor up to 3 lanes.
XME Motion Dash Cam $36.99
The XME Motion features a 1080p dash cam with HD video quality. The dash cam delivers excellent video quality and super night vision at an ultra-wide angle of 170 degrees. The XME Motion has a gravity sensor that can detect when you’re in an accident and make an anti-delete fragment that will be automatically stored.
Discrete Dash Cam
SpyTec A119 Dash Cam $89.95
The A119 with GPS is an easy-to-install above dashboard camera that records road activity with a 160 degree field of vision. The discrete wedge-shaped design helps to conceal the camera when placed by the rearview mirror. There’s no battery to charge and the capacitor-type connection can detect when the car is on to start recording. A 64GB memory card allows you to store 7 hours of HD video. The A119 has a GPS feature that is able to activate a pair of warning systems. One alerts you in case your vehicle veers out of lane and a forward collision system that sounds an alarm if your vehicle is moving too fast with an obstacle ahead.
Dual Dash Cam
VANTRUE N2 Pro Dual Dash Cam $199.99
The VANTRUE N2 Pro Dual dash cam simultaneously captures the road ahead at 170 degrees and the cabin at 140 degrees at dual 1920x1080p 30fps. The built-in microphone and speaker captures high quality audio clear without distortion. The Parking Monitor feature switches automatically when your car is parked. It is triggered by motion detection and the dash cam will auto record when someone gets too close to your car. Unfortunately, this camera needs a constant power supply either from an external battery pack or hardwire.
Transcend Drive Pro 520 $168.99
The Drive Pro 520 is an ideal dual lens car video recorder that provides passengers and drivers with optimum protection. Featuring a 130 degree view angle, the front lens camera captures Full HD 1080p 30fps. The 180 degree rotatable rear-lens comes with four infrared LEDs, allowing you to record sharp in-car videos at night or in low light.
Dash Cam Accessories
Silicon Power 32GB MicroSD Memory Card $22.99 | $44.99 (64GB)
Transcend Information MicroSD Memory Card $18.99 (16GB) | $35.95 (32GB) | $60.99 (64GB)
Anker 24W Dual USB Car Charger $9.99
Dual USB Car Chargers are a great option for people who want to charge their dash cam, while charging their phone at the same time. The compact design features two USB ports that prove up to 24 watts each.
NekTeck 4 Port USB Rapid Turbo Car Charger $9.99
The NekTeck 4 Port USB car charger features Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0, which can charge devices up to 75% faster. The four ports can charge up to 4 devices at the same time while delivering up to 54 watts of power, which means you’ll be able to charge tablets as well.
As you can tell from the items listed, dash cams are vital for car accidents as well. You know the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words”? Well, a video could be worth a couple thousand dollars. Imagine a scenario where someone accidentally backs into you and damages the front of your car. If the person is a scumbag and lies to the police officer saying you rear-ended him, you’re most likely facing a he said, she said scenario. An unbiased insurance company is going to see the damage to the front of your car and the damage to the back of the scumbag’s car and make you pay for it every time. Having a video will make sure you don’t let scenarios like that ever happen to you. It never hurts to be prepared!