Kiwis can see the merits of dash cams - but few are buying in.

FEEDBACK to a seller of dash cams says most Kiwis believe the technology has relevance in respect to encouraging safer driving habits, yet uptake is in the minority.

Seventy-one percent of respondents to a survey on behalf of Navman believe driving with a dash cam encourages safer driving habits, yet just 25 per cent own this kind of device.

Information shared by the company today says the survey was conducted in December 2025 by Lonergan Research, with 1025 NZ drivers involved.

The brand believes the data highlights a clear opportunity for drivers to put their belief into practice and make a dash cam part of their everyday driving.

“With increasing distractions behind the wheel, rising insurance premiums and ongoing concerns around road rage incidents, a dash cam has become an essential piece of technology in every vehicle and not simply an optional extra,” says Wendy Hammond, general manager of Navman New Zealand.

“Even the mere thought of being recorded can encourage drivers to make safer decisions.”

Navman suggests safety features on its cameras can be beneficial to help drivers stay more aware and informed of what is happening on the road.

Those features include features now also common in some new cars, such as safety alerts for red light and speed cameras, driver assistance warnings for lane departure and forward collision warnings and a fatigue alert for anyone driving for more than two hours.

“While these features are valuable for all drivers, they are especially important for those who may not have many of the advanced safety technologies found in newer cars, as well as younger drivers who are still building familiarity and confidence on the roads,” Hammond said.

Even the safest drivers can’t control the actions of others on the road, making dash cam evidence critical when an incident occurs, Navman says.

“Accidents can happen in a split second. With car insurance premiums rising over recent years, drivers want to make sure that if an accident happens their side of the story is protected with clear evidence,” said Hammond.

The ability to capture important details such as number plates, brake lights and street signs can provide critical video evidence to protect drivers against false accident claims, she added.