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Seen At 11: More Drivers Using Dashcams To Help Fight Traffic Tickets

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork)-- Many drivers have fought traffic tickets or argued with police about driving infractions, usually getting nowhere.

But a simple, inexpensive tool is helping more and more drivers make their case.

Dash cameras are common in other countries, especially Russia, where hundreds of crashes are documented on the Internet. They're in police cars in the U.S., but now everyday drivers are starting to catch up on the concept.

"They're very handy in proving your case in an insurance problem if you're in any kind of a crash," Robert Sinclair, manager of media relations for AAA, told CBS2's Valerie Castro.

The busy intersection of Rockaway and Farmers boulevards in Queens was the site of one frightening crash, but the driver cited had a dashcam. The video clearly showed he had the green light, ultimately saving him a violation and a costly insurance claim.

"There's no disputing the video," Sinclair said.

Just one camera installed in the vehicle can make all the difference. Sinclair's own dashcam captured a person crossing against the light as his vehicle approached. Luckily, no accident was involved, but the documentation could be useful in a different situation.

"They serve as good defense mechanism for you if you have to go to court," he said.

CBS2 talked to a man who ultimately banked on the footage captured on his dashcam in Brooklyn.

"I got stopped by the cop and he was saying that basically, I made a left turn from the right lane," the man named Abraham said.

Once police reviewed his video, which showed he was in the turning lane, the case was cleared

"They called me [and said], 'Don't worry; we took care, you don't have to go to court,'" Abraham said.

He added that the $150 he paid for the dashcam was about what the ticket would have cost him, in addition to three points on his license.

Cameras are coming down in price and adding features like continuous recording. State Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) said they're becoming a vital tool that should be in everyone's car.

"Every car that has one of these dash cameras is recording what's going on in the back, down the block, in front of the block," Hikind told CBS2. "This is not just about protecting yourself, it's about protecting your community, your neighborhood."

Prices for the cameras start at about $39 and can be installed at home.

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