Locating the means to corroborate a bicyclist's version of events following a crash is one of the biggest challenges I commonly face representing cyclists. Sometimes witnesses are available. Often they are not. Riding with a video camera is a great way to protect your rights should you be the victim of a careless driver. A video recording may demonstrate just how a crash occurred. It may capture the license plate of a hit and run driver. However, a camera, even a small one, is just one more piece of gear you need to schlep with you when riding your bike. A helmet is something many urban cyclists ride with anyway. Having one that can preserve valuable evidence following a crash would be fantastic. I am not aware of anyone testing the "Helmet of Justice," so I do not know if it will live up to its promises. For it to be a truly viable option for the urban cyclist it will need to be light, comfortable, durable and reliably function as advertised. It would also need to be reasonably priced. The company developing the helmet expects it to sell for about $300. Not bad. . . if it truly delivers.
Blogging For Bicyclists' Rights by the bike lawyers of the Freeman Kevenides Law Firm
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Behold The "Helmet Of Justice," Wearable Tech For Bicyclists
Locating the means to corroborate a bicyclist's version of events following a crash is one of the biggest challenges I commonly face representing cyclists. Sometimes witnesses are available. Often they are not. Riding with a video camera is a great way to protect your rights should you be the victim of a careless driver. A video recording may demonstrate just how a crash occurred. It may capture the license plate of a hit and run driver. However, a camera, even a small one, is just one more piece of gear you need to schlep with you when riding your bike. A helmet is something many urban cyclists ride with anyway. Having one that can preserve valuable evidence following a crash would be fantastic. I am not aware of anyone testing the "Helmet of Justice," so I do not know if it will live up to its promises. For it to be a truly viable option for the urban cyclist it will need to be light, comfortable, durable and reliably function as advertised. It would also need to be reasonably priced. The company developing the helmet expects it to sell for about $300. Not bad. . . if it truly delivers.
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Great post. I got a GoPro for Christmas and it gives me a bit more peace of mind when riding as well as plenty of fodder for conversation about motorist behavior and road conditions. It's a really nice thing to have, though I hope I never really *need* the video evidence it provides.
ReplyDeleteWill it also activate when the rider goes through a red light or blows off a Stop Sign?
ReplyDeleteWill it also activate when a motorist goes through a red light or stop sign?
ReplyDeleteHow admissible would the recording be ? Don't you need to have an easily seen warning that a recording is in progress ? The presence of a large eye (two inches ?) with a "24/7" legend might be enough notice to satisfy a judge.
ReplyDeleteP.S. My preference would be for a yellow warning diamond with an Eye of Horus in the center, "24" above, and "/7" below.
I do not think you'd have much trouble getting the recording admitted. The cyclist could lay the foundation that the video fairly and accurately depicts the scene of the crash.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I do like your Eye of Horus suggestion;-)