Anyone use a 'black box' app for iphone? your views?

wez130 · 11 Oct 2011 at 11:42

Looking at a couple of these apps that record everything immediately before an incedent when you need it to. Black box recorder or 'car BlackBox Camera or there's one called witness driving, all at £0.69 on app store, i want to purchase one but i don't know which one to buy, any suggestions?

Thx

Dangerous Dave · 11 Oct 2011 at 12:35

The problem you have with recording your driving is that it can work in your favour when you have a non fault accident that the other driver denies etc

On the other hand you run the risk of the police finding the camera before you can delete the footage which could happen in a more serious accident where you could get knocked out leaving them with clear evidence to charge you with dangerous driving. The delete feature also only deletes the table of contents on most of the devices so even if you hit the wipe button that some have it will still be easy to get the footage back giving the police video and gps speed data.

Peerzy · 11 Oct 2011 at 12:49

It's also important to think - you'll have to everytime you get into your car attach your iPhone to your window in some way so that it can record. This will then drain the battery (unless you also wire up a charger), there is a good chance you could do this thousands of times over the next 2-3 years and never once actually use the app as you don't get into an accident.

lordrobs · 11 Oct 2011 at 12:53

Peerzy said:
It's also important to think - you'll have to everytime you get into your car attach your iPhone to your window in some way so that it can record. This will then drain the battery (unless you also wire up a charger), there is a good chance you could do this thousands of times over the next 2-3 years and never once actually use the app as you don't get into an accident.

I agree with all this TBH. On the outset it looks like a good idea but I bet it becomes a PITA in no time. The only systems that make sense are those that work without you having to think about it every time you turn the key but they cost proper money to install.

Peerzy · 11 Oct 2011 at 12:54

lordrobs said:
I agree with all this TBH. On the outset it looks like a good idea but I bet it becomes a PITA in no time. The only systems that make sense are those that work without you having to think about it every time you turn the key but they cost proper money to install.

You'd do it all properly for a month and then get lazy, odd trips to the supermarket you'd not do it, then you'd get in an accident, have not done it and be well annoyed.

If you plan on keeping the car a while, and it's expensive and you are worries about a crash then I'd pay the £200~ to get it done properly with a hidden device and HDD.

[TW]Fox · 11 Oct 2011 at 13:20

How many non fault accidents are you guys getting into that recording your driving is worth the hassle?

Maz · 11 Oct 2011 at 14:48

[TW]Fox;20277112 said:
How many non fault accidents are you guys getting into that recording your driving is worth the hassle?

This, I've had a few non fault accidents.

All you have to do is take decent photo's at the scene on your iPhone (Everyone has iPhones these days don't they?) and take details of anyone who will be a witness!

therealnerd2 · 11 Oct 2011 at 15:00

Maz said:
All you have to do is take decent photo's at the scene on your Android(Everyone has Androids these days don't they?) and take details of anyone who will be a witness!

yes