KUALA LUMPUR: Installing dashboard cameras (dashcams) in vehicles is a crucial step towards promoting safer driving behaviour and enhancing road safety, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
The Road Safety Council member highlighted that dashcams are an effective tool for monitoring driving habits and providing unbiased evidence in traffic accidents.
"The presence of a dashcam acts as a deterrent to reckless driving, speeding, and other forms of irresponsible behaviour on the road.
"Knowing that their actions are being recorded encourages drivers to adhere to traffic rules and exercise greater caution.
"This can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and create a culture of accountability among road users," he said when contacted on Thursday (Jan 9).
He was commenting on The Star's front page report about calls to make dashcams compulsory.
Dashcams also play an invaluable role in aiding law enforcement in investigating traffic accidents, he said.
"The footage captured provides clear and impartial evidence, helping to determine fault, resolve disputes, and expedite investigations. This not only ensures justice but also reduces the burden on the legal system," he explained.
To maximise the adoption of dashcams, it is essential that they are made affordable and accessible to all vehicle owners, Lee said.
"We urge the government to consider offering tax incentives or subsidies for purchasing dashcams to encourage widespread use. The government should also collaborate with dashcam manufacturers to develop affordable models tailored for local markets," he added.
Measures should be introduced to encourage automakers to include dashcams as standard equipment in new vehicles, Lee stressed.
"At the same time, the public should also be educated on the benefits of dashcams for personal safety and public interest," he noted.
Dashcams are not just a tool for individual protection but a vital asset for improving road safety and ensuring justice on our roads, Lee stated.
"We urge all stakeholders—drivers, manufacturers, and policymakers—to work together to make dashcams an essential, affordable, and accessible safety feature for every vehicle in the country.
"Let us drive towards safer roads with the aid of technology and collective responsibility," he concluded.
