Obtaining Traffic Camera Footage In Georgia: A Guide

Georgia has an extensive network of traffic cameras, but unfortunately, the state does not record any of the camera footage. This can be frustrating for those involved in car accidents who are seeking evidence to establish liability. However, there are alternative sources of footage that can be used as evidence, such as private business surveillance videos, home security camera footage, and personal dashcam recordings. Additionally, new patrol cars in Georgia are equipped with digital video cameras, and their footage can be requested in the form of a link to a cloud-based file.

The Georgia Department of Transportation does not record traffic camera footage

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) does not record traffic camera footage. This is due to the immense storage capacity that would be required and the high costs associated with maintaining the staff needed to keep up with footage requests. As a result, the GDOT is unable to honour any requests for this material. However, while you cannot obtain traffic footage as evidence, there are alternative ways to obtain visual evidence of a crash.

One option is to check with private businesses and homeowners in the area where the accident occurred. Businesses and local shops on busy streets may have cameras that recorded the incident, and this footage can be accessed with the help of the business owner. Many residential homes and streets also have doorbell cameras or security systems that record street views. If the accident occurred near a residential area, this may also be an option for obtaining footage.

Another option is to check with other drivers involved in the accident to see if they have dash cams in their vehicles. Dash cams are becoming increasingly popular and can provide valuable footage of an accident. Additionally, new patrol cars in Georgia are equipped with digital video cameras, and the footage is uploaded to cloud-based storage. This footage can be requested and received in the form of a link.

It is also worth noting that while you cannot obtain traffic camera footage from the GDOT, you can access live stream footage on your computer or smartphone via the Georgia 511 website or app. This can provide real-time information about traffic conditions and help you make informed travel plans.

Alternatives to traffic camera footage include private business surveillance video

Georgia's traffic camera network is an elaborate system that helps government officials monitor traffic flow. While it is possible to view a live stream of these traffic cameras, the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) does not record the footage. This is due to the massive storage space and cost-prohibitive manpower that would be required to fulfill requests for footage.

However, if you are looking for footage of a specific incident, there are alternative sources of traffic camera footage that might be useful. One option is to check with nearby businesses, as banks, stores, and other companies often have surveillance cameras that may have captured the incident. This footage is typically stored for a reasonable period before being erased, so it is important to act quickly and contact the business owner for assistance.

Another option is to check for home security cameras or personal dash cameras in the area where the incident occurred. Many residential homes and streets are now equipped with doorbell cameras or security systems that record the street view, so it is possible that your incident was captured on one of these devices. Similarly, personal dash cameras can record footage of a vehicle as well as surrounding cars, providing a close-up view of an accident.

In addition to these alternatives, there are companies such as Traffic Cam Archive that capture, catalog, and archive high-quality traffic camera footage in Georgia. They record traffic camera video in Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, and other cities, and their interactive map makes it easy to find and purchase the footage you need.

Therefore, while the Georgia DOT does not record traffic camera footage, there are several alternative sources of footage that may be useful, including private business surveillance video, home security camera footage, personal dash camera footage, and commercial traffic camera archives.

Home security camera footage can be used to capture accidents

In recent years, doorbell cameras, such as Ring cameras, have become increasingly popular and are often placed in locations that capture street views. This means that accidents occurring near residential areas have a higher chance of being recorded by home security cameras. Residents are usually willing to share any footage their cameras have captured, which can be extremely helpful for those seeking evidence of an accident.

In addition to home security camera footage, there are other sources of video evidence that can be useful in the event of an accident. These include dash cameras, which can record a vehicle and its surroundings, providing a close-up view of an accident. Private businesses located near busy streets or accident sites may also have surveillance cameras that recorded the incident. It is important to act quickly to obtain this footage, as it is typically stored for a limited time before being erased.

Obtaining video evidence of an accident is crucial, as it can provide a detailed and accurate account of the events leading up to and during the incident. This evidence can be used to determine liability and establish negligence, which is important for insurance claims and legal proceedings. It can also help support claims of another driver's wrongdoing or negligence. By working with a personal injury attorney, individuals can ensure they are taking the correct steps to obtain and preserve this valuable evidence.

Overall, home security camera footage can play a vital role in capturing accidents and providing the necessary evidence to support accident investigations and legal proceedings. It is important for residents to be aware of the potential value of their camera footage and to be willing to share it with those in need.

Personal dash cameras can be used to record accidents

In Georgia, it is challenging to obtain traffic camera footage from the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) as they do not record videos from these traffic cameras. However, dash cameras can be a valuable tool for recording accidents and proving liability.

Personal dash cameras are small video cameras mounted on a vehicle's dashboard or windshield, recording what occurs in front of the vehicle. More intricate models may also record interior audio and video, feature rear-facing video, or stream directly to the internet. Dashcams are useful for capturing accidents as they can record crucial details such as the colour, make, model, and license plate of the vehicles involved, as well as the speed and direction of travel. This information can be invaluable in hit-and-run cases and when dealing with insurance companies and law enforcement. Additionally, dashcam footage can help in situations of police misconduct, unsafe road conditions, or monitoring the driving habits of an inexperienced driver.

It is important to note that dashcams record everything, including the driver's own mistakes. This footage can be used by insurance companies to dispute claims. When submitting dashcam footage as evidence, ensure it is clear, features a timestamp, and properly details the events in question.

While dashcam footage can be valuable evidence, it should be supplemented with other modes of evidence, such as photos of the crash site, eyewitness testimonies, and police reports, to strengthen any claims or legal cases.

Video in patrol cars can be requested in the form of a link

Obtaining Traffic Camera Footage in Georgia

Georgia's network of traffic cameras does not record footage, which can be frustrating when trying to obtain video evidence of a road collision. However, new patrol cars in Georgia are now being equipped with digital video cameras, and the footage from these can be requested. The Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced that footage from these cameras will be uploaded to cloud-based video storage. This means that anyone can request video footage in the form of a link to the file in the cloud.

The DPS Efficient Purchase of Records and Transfer System (EPORTS) is a web-based platform that allows users to search, request, retrieve and review various types of records, including dashcam videos. This system is designed to make it easier to access the footage you need.

To request footage, you will need to submit a request to the Georgia DPS Open Records Unit. This request should include:

• Your full name, mailing address, and phone number
• Names of any victims or subjects of the report or investigation
• Which records you are requesting
• The name of the county or city where the accident took place
• The date of the crash or investigation
• Crash report number or incident report number

There may be a fee for the photos or documents requested.

Frequently asked questions