An automotive event data recorder (EDR), commonly referred to as a black box, is a device installed on most passenger vehicles that is usually a function of the airbag control module. It records from two to 25 seconds of collision-related data that may help determine speed, braking activity, stopping distance, impact severity, occupant kinematics, steering, avoidance measures, number and sequence of collisions, seat belt usage, airbag deployment, and more. The devices are designed to store data following airbag deployment, and non-deployment events where the change of velocity (Delta V) of the event is severe enough to “wake up” the system (usually 2-4 mph).
Public Availability
While current commercial or “public” access to such data is limited to some GM, Ford, and Chrysler models (about one third of vehicles on the road), the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently finalized regulations requiring all manufacturers to make such data publicly accessible by September 2012 and set minimum data element recording standards. Several models exceed and will continue to exceed these minimum standards. Manufacturers also will be required to publish a notice of the presence of an EDR device in all vehicle owner manuals
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