EDR: Event Data Recorders

[Don]

EDR: Event Data Recorders:

Article in Feb Popular Science mentions that installation of EDR is mandatory for all cars and trucks in the 2013 model year. Recent news article mentions a state employee driving a state owned vehicle was in an accident and the EDR disproved the drivers statement on seat belt, speed, etc. Being a state owned vehicle, no mention of any legalities in obtaining the recorded data. Appears there is a grey area in the law on whether the driver can or cannot control the access to the EDR, or requires a Court order, or cannot be used.

[Don]

Correction: Article I mentioned is in Popular Mechanics, page 92, " Is My Car Spying on Me ? "

EDR is in the airbag control module. Information extracted in the example is steering wheel position, engine throttle, change in velocity, seatbelt usage, brake usage, air bag deployment, and warning lamp status

[DougD]

This type of device has been in some cars for a number of years now. Requiring it in all cars is new. I have read of several instances where a driver's sworn statements have been disproven by the Black Box. Beware. Big Brother is here.