jackwolf, fascinating insight, thanks.
I used that CruiseCam and Canon HV30 for taping an autocross last weekend. The detector was for the ride home from the track.
Agreed, it's unsuited to the type of story you described. Maybe a couple of lipstick cams to a DVR with Firewire out to a smartphone. Not a cheap setup, but if advertising supported and enough clicks may at least pay for the trip.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/shop/1..._Lipstick.html