Few would argue against the benefits of installing a dashcam to document your drive time and protect your interests should an accident occur while you’re on the road. However, dashcams can be expensive, and this means they aren’t always a viable option for everyone.
Luckily, if you own an old smartphone, you can save yourself the expense of an off-the-shelf dashcam by repurposing your old handset instead. Most dashcam apps provide you with the benefit of loop recording, collision detection sensors, and location tracking. And while you could argue that they’re less reliable than the real deal, they offer a low-budget alternative that still far outweighs not carrying one on board at all.
Thanks to comprehensive and free apps like DailyRoads Voyager it’s a relatively straightforward process, too. Once downloaded, DailyRoads acts as a black box, dashcam, or auto DVR, continuously recording footage and photos from your journeys. It uses cyclical recording, periodically erasing older footage so that memory storage never becomes an issue. Other dashcam apps such as Nexar require a compatible dashcam but offer perks like 4K video recording and cloud storage so that every image is captured in flawless detail and easily accessible. It even features GPS tracking so that you’re equipped with information that covers every detail of your journey.
On the downside, some free webcam apps do come with ads and can drain your phone’s battery, particularly if it’s an older model. Nevertheless, they still represent a practical and cost-effective alternative, offering peace of mind and a great use for your old phone.
