Should a “Video” box be added to the accident report?

In an increasingly connected automotive world, video stands out as an objective and impartial witness to road events.

Integrated into many modern cars or added as an accessory by cautious drivers, the Dashcam, a small video camera, can accurately capture the crucial few seconds leading up to an accident. Hence, a question arises. Isn’t it time to add a dedicated box for the presence of video footage on the amicable accident report?

Today, the report remains a handwritten document, sometimes hastily scribbled, often influenced by emotions, or even pressured by the other driver. Versions can diverge, bad faith can arise, or simply memories may be unclear. In this context, the dashcam appears as a valuable asset. It records, captures, and allows for a reliable and objective reconstruction of events. Traffic lights, priorities, safe distances, dangerous behavior… everything is documented, with no room for interpretation!

Insurers Are Supportive

Some insurers already accept videos as supplementary evidence in managing a case. However, their integration remains informal. A simple box on the report, stating “Video available” or “Footage at disposal,” could speed up procedures, clarify responsibilities in the early hours, and alleviate dispute resolution departments. This would also prevent unnecessary, sometimes costly, legal issues in cases where the footage speaks for itself.

Of course, this evolution will need to be regulated. Respect for privacy, data processing, authenticity of images: safeguards must be robust. But current technologies allow for dating, locating, and certifying recordings. And in the face of the subjectivity of pen on paper, the objectivity of the onboard camera represents undeniable progress.

As vehicles become smarter and drivers demand more transparency and protection, it may be time to modernize our reports as well. After all, in an accident, the truth is worth more than a good story. And like numbers, a dashcam does not lie.

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