Accident / Dashcam

Transportation, Travel and Trips
1
I thought I should share with the group a couple of Police-related insights from an accident I witnessed this morning.

I was driving behind a car ("Driver 1"), and some numpty ("Numpty 1") pulled out from a turning and clipped the back of Driver 1's car. Nothing overly dramatic, just a prang. But I thought it was a bit idiotic, so I stopped to offer my support. And I have a dashcam in my car, which captured the whole sorry scene.

For some reason, although Numpty 1 seemed clearly at fault, he was arguing about it, and Driver 1 called the Police. It was all quite polite and friendly between Driver 1 and Numpty 1 - simply that Numpty 1 wasn't going to accept it was his fault, so they decided to ask the Police to arbitrate. (I actually got a bit narky with Numpty 1 for being such a numpty, but I should learn not to argue with idiots)

Anyway, the Police were called, and said the following:-

1. Contrary to a few people who say that dashcams are no use in Switzerland, the Police were very happy that I had the footage, and asked me to e-mail it to them. They effectively said that if the two drivers would continue to argue and waste everyone's time, the Police would likely settle it based on the dashcam footage.

2. The Police said that if it's just material damage (Sachschaden), you don't really need to call them - if the parties agree on the facts of the accident. If there are injuries etc, or if the parties don't agree, you can call them (but see 3. below)

3. However, the Police's actions this morning confirmed what one of my Swiss friends told me. Namely, if the Police are called to an accident, they will most likely find one of the drivers guilty of some infraction, and fine them. And that's exactly what happened today - they said they would fine Numpty 1 for not respecting the Give Way sign i.e. not respecting the Vortritt at that junction.

So the lesson I've drawn from this is that if you're a numpty and cause an accident, for heaven's sake just admit your mistake, complete the insurance forms, and get out of there. Because if the Police come along, you're likely to face a fine, as well as any other inconvenience etc you'll suffer because of the accident.

2
Who are you, Driver 1 or Numpty 1 ?

3
Let's please make this a huge pinned post in the frontpage so people at some point can get it through their heads.

I've seen countless accidents where all the traffic was caused for minor (if any) damage and people sitting there, putting themselves in danger on top of creating huge traffic jams, just for the police to arrive and add practically zero value.

You have an accident, see that everyone's OK, see that the vehicles can operate safely, and move to the side of the road and discuss to your heart's content. No need to destroy everyone else's day as well.

Thanks for the dascham clarification also, that's useful information.

4
You cannot legally upload your dashcam video to the internet and share it with your friends, family and the world without obscuring personnel data.

If you see someone doing something stupid and send the video to the police they will likely not act on it, as they don’t have the context and videos can be edited.

If you see something doing something dangerous or life-threatening and send it to the police, they may do something depending on the situation.

If you have an accident the police would be happy to include your video in their evidence.

It depends, it just depends.

Tha above from a policeman in Nyon.

5
And it doesn't mean the video was produced lawfully. However no plaintiff no judge.

6
I just bought a Garmin dashcam .. Will fit it later..

Man i forgot how bad the garmin interface is.. For a company who make such important stuff for aviation, for sailing, for sports .. Their software is dire.

Ok i'm used to Apple stuff but the clunky Garmin interface is like windows 3.1.

Why did I get a dashcam, well we have a diversion near us, on a twisty road.. I've lost count of the near misses where cars come around blind bends on the wrong side, really feeling like it's a matter of time.. At least once a week we hear the sirens heading over there.

PS I just upgraded my legal insurance too