Over the years we have shared countless examples of hit-and-run incidents shared by BlackVue dash cam users. From parking lot collisions to outrageous drivers simply leaving the scene, we’ve seen it all. Unfortunately, it has become increasingly common for culprits to leave without leaving any contact information, making it harder to catch these hit-and-run offenders. In this article, we present a concise list of realistic tips, sourced from the largest dash cam-related forum in the world, on how to catch a hit-and-runner. 

First, get a dash cam

This one is obvious. Without having a dash cam installed in your car, you are at the mercy of the person who hits your car. If you are lucky, there might be CCTV installed nearby, but getting that footage (and getting it timely) may prove problematic. Hence, installing a dash cam in your vehicle is the first and most crucial step to catching potential hit-and-run drivers. By taking matters into your own hands and equipping your car with a dash cam, you gain control over the evidence-gathering process, empowering yourself to hold accountable those responsible for hitting your vehicle and fleeing the scene. 

When choosing a dash cam, opt for one with high-resolution video recording, good low-light performance, and a wide-angle lens for capturing a wider field of view. A great example is the BlackVue DR970X-2CH LTE dash cam, which combines superb 4K resolution (front camera) and full HD Sony STARVIS™ image sensors for clear videos under any light (rear camera). It also comes with a built-in Nano SIM card reader for easier Cloud connectivity to check on your car from anywhere, anytime.

Use Parking Mode

The second necessary ingredient needed to catch a hit-and-runner is Parking Mode. Having a dash cam is not enough – you need to make sure it’s recording even when the engine of your car is off. This is where Parking Mode comes in. All BlackVue dash cams feature Parking Mode. When enabling Parking Mode, ensure that your dash cam is properly connected to a power source that can sustain it for extended periods. BlackVue dash cams come with native Parking Mode – that means you can hardwire your dash cam and it will switch to Parking Mode as soon as you turn the ignition off. 

In case you opt for a Parking Mode accessory (such as the Power Magic Battery Pack), Parking Mode will activate after the dashcam’s accelerometer detects that the vehicle is stationary for five minutes. You can learn more about BlackVue’s Parking Mode, various “modes” and more here. Make sure that the dash cam can run continuously for the entire period of time when you leave your car unattended. For example, the Power Magic Ultra Battery can give your dash cam up to 30 hours of recording on a single charge.

Download important files

Once you have captured a potential hit-and-run incident on your dash cam, you need to retrieve the relevant files. Before you pull out the actual physical microSD card out of your dash cam, use the mobile app first. Most dash cams let you connect to your smartphone and download videos immediately. If your dash cam is connected to Cloud, you can even upload your files to the Cloud and download them later when needed. Make it a habit to regularly download and store the footage on your computer, external hard drive, or Cloud storage. By doing so, you have a backup of the evidence in case the dash cam is damaged or stolen. 

Memory card maintenance

Take proper care of your microSD card since it undergoes heavy usage due to constant overwriting. Regularly format and replace the card, with six months being the recommended interval. While BlackVue dash cams keep up to fifty Event video files from being immediately overwritten, having a spare memory card for your dash cam is a wise precaution. In case an incident occurs, you can quickly replace the currently-used card with a fresh one, ensuring that you don’t miss out on recording critical footage. After you replace the microSD card, don’t take it out of the secure case until you are ready to transfer the files on your computer or ready to hand over the card to the police or your insurance company.

Dash cams: your road to justice and safety

While catching hit-and-run drivers can be challenging, equipping yourself with a dash cam and following these tips can significantly increase your chances of obtaining evidence that may lead to identifying the culprits. By investing in a quality dash cam, using Parking Mode, downloading important files, and taking proper care of the microSD card, you’re taking proactive steps to protect yourself and assist law enforcement in apprehending hit-and-run offenders. Remember, it’s not just about seeking justice for yourself, but also about ensuring safer roads for everyone by holding accountable those who engage in hit-and-run incidents. Stay vigilant, stay safe, and drive responsibly.

And what if you were involved in a regular accident and at a loss what to do? Here’s an article you should read to always feel prepared and in control of the situation.