NATIONAL DASH CAMERA DAY – August 2023
Posted on Saturday 5th August 2023 in All Road Users, Cyclists, Drivers, Education and Training, Motorcyclists, Pedestrians
The 5th of August marks National Dash Cam Day and is held to raise awareness about various road safety precautions. A dash cam is a small in-car camera positioned on the windscreen that records everything in front of and, in some situations, behind the driver. When involved in a collision, it can act as an objective witness while also saving drivers money on their insurance. Most dash cams also feature a parking mode that can record events and act as a deterrent to theft and damage when you’re not in your vehicle. Dashboard cameras are legal to use in the UK but must be fitted in a safe place and not obstruct the driver’s view.
The Police can’t be everywhere, but the public can. 1 in 5 cars now use a dashcam! Drive like you’re being filmed!
Operation Crackdown is an initiative run by the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership. It is a secure online portal for reporting and submitting video evidence of suspected moving traffic offences witnessed by the public.
WHAT CONSTITUTES AS ANTI-SOCIAL DRIVING?
- The phrase ‘anti-social driving/riding’ can cover many different behaviours on the road which may include:
- Speeding by individuals
- Using a mobile phone at the wheel
- Not wearing a seat belt
- Careless/aggressive driving
It is important to note that Operation Crackdown should NOT be used for emergency situations (such as obvious drink-driving); these should be reported via the 999-emergency number.
The project also targets specific instances of antisocial behaviour and should not be used for reporting generalised speeding complaints in an area. If you wish to comment on specific roads or areas, you should contact your local highway authority with all the details and one of the team will look into it as soon as possible.
HOW CAN YOU REPORT ANTI-SOCIAL DRIVING/RIDING?
Operation Crackdown has its own dedicated website which you can use to report anti-social driving/riding.
WHAT INFORMATION WILL YOU NEED?
To make a full Operation Crackdown report, you will need the following:
- The vehicle’s make, model and licence plate number.
- The location of the incident – the more information you can give, the better.
- Any more information about the driver/rider – rough age and gender.
- You will be asked for your contact details at the end of the form. These will help us keep you up to date and give us the opportunity to contact you again should we need any more information.
- You will not be identified if the offending driver/rider is contacted.
Any footage submitted as part of Operation Crackdown should not be posted on social media, footage that is in the public domain may have an adverse effect on any subsequent proceedings.
