Car black boxes–known as event data recorders or EDRs) have become an indispensable component of many passenger vehicles. But as consumers become more wary about identity theft and phone tapping by government agencies like the National Security Agency, concerns over privacy issues surrounding black box data have grown among drivers.
Black boxes may help lower insurance premiums and assist law enforcement agencies when investigating an accident, so let’s take a closer look at these devices.
What is a Black Box?
Have you heard the term “black box” used to refer to aircraft after an accident, but did you know cars also feature one? A car black box is a device which stores driving and vehicle data before, during, and after accidents to help attorneys and law enforcement authorities investigate them more easily. This data helps attorneys and law enforcement officials pinpoint their cause.
Your car contains an event data recorder (EDR), or sometimes called an Event Data Recorder, which is a small electronic device located in its airbag control module (ACM). Less than 5 percent of new cars sold in 2013 did not include one and since 2014 all vehicles manufactured must have one installed as required by law. Technically known as an Event Data Recorder rather than “Black Box”, EDRs contain flash memories.
It has a distinctive international orange paint job for easy identification after an accident and can withstand acceleration of 3,400 Gs and temperatures reaching up to 2,000deg F without burning through.
How do Black Boxes Work?
Black boxes are tracking devices designed to fit into vehicles and act as data collectors. Resembling old mobile phones without displays, these tracking devices use telematics technology to transmit and receive information that can be accessed remotely.
Black box data can demonstrate that you drive safely, enabling you to save on car insurance premiums. Conversely, however, it could show that you’re an unsafe driver, potentially increasing premiums as a result.
Your black box could also be used by police and insurers to ascertain liability in an accident. While this might not necessarily be harmful, it could still cause some concern; thankfully, strict data protection laws ensure that it can only be used with your consent or pursuant to legal court orders; additionally if you decide to sell on your car you will be able to remove the black box before selling on.
What are the Benefits of Black Boxes?
Black boxes provide many advantages to drivers of all ages. Not only can they save on insurance premiums and encourage good driving practices, but black box technology improves data collection accuracy while decreasing risks of tampering.
Black boxes may present certain disadvantages. One potential pitfall of using them is discouraging certain driving practices such as night driving. Many black box insurers impose curfews between 9pm-5am that restrict drivers from continuing their commute after this set time period has passed.
Black boxes may also be used as evidence in court in road accident claims, because their information shows whether someone was speeding or driving recklessly before an accident took place; or whether they were using their phone while on the road. As such, these devices aren’t suitable for every driver.
How Can Black Boxes Help You?
Even though many are familiar with airplane “black boxes” which record data after a crash, few know that new cars also contain similar devices known as event data recorders (EDRs). While often referred to as black boxes, EDRs officially fall under event data recorder category.
Telematic devices may have some restrictions, but they still provide invaluable evidence that can aid car accident victims. Personal injury lawyers, police officers and insurance companies can use this evidence to ascertain what led to an incident.
Additionally, black boxes can help determine liability following car accidents by gathering information that shows whether reckless driving behavior was involved such as hard breaking and speeding; their insurance premiums will likely increase accordingly whereas if they adhered to basic driving standards their premiums should decrease accordingly. Furthermore, this information could assist victims receive fair compensation from their insurance company in the wake of collision.