DATA RECORDERS:  CRITICAL EVIDENCE IN CRASH INVESTIGATIONS

            For years, the "black box" was synonymous with airplane crash investigations.  An airplane crash would occur and the National Transportation Safety Board would be reported as examining the aircraft's "black box".  Many Consumers are completely unaware that most vehicles on today's highways come automatically equipped with an event data recorder ("EDR").

            Manufacturers equip passenger vehicles with an "EDR" which is incorporated within the airbag system.  These electronically controlled systems rely on electronic sensors to determine when airbags, anti-lock brakes, and stability control systems should be engaged.  The onboard sensors determine whether an event is severe enough to trigger the systems.  A "non-deployment" wreck is severe enough to gather information from the sensors, but not severe enough to deploy the airbags.  A "deployment" wreck is severe enough to trigger the airbags.  In both types of incidents, the "ECR" stores both pre-crash and post-crash data.

            The information stored by the "ECR" includes such detail as engine and vehicle speed, change in velocity of the vehicle, braking status, and seatbelt use.  This information is typically available five seconds prior to impact and five seconds post impact.

            Since the mid 1990s, most tractor-trailer manufacturers have equipped their engines with an electronic control module ("ECM").  While these devices may vary, most of them record the vehicle's speed, distance traveled, fuel consumption, mileage, hard breaking, and other engine information.  In addition to "ECMs", satellite tracking systems are utilized to provide information including global positioning, speed, route deviation, and hours of service in operation.  These devices create electronic data and store that data for use during accident reconstruction.  Limitations exist with the device's capability to store this information, and therefore, it is imperative that the data is retrieved by an expert experienced and competent in the downloading of information from these devices.

            Originally, the systems were designed to improve airbag performance and to collect statistically relevant crash information to improve the safety of cars and trucks.  As the sophistication of the information and storage capabilities increased, these devices are now relied upon extensively in conducting post-crash investigations to determine information relevant in the accident.  The stored data is particularly relevant in issues regarding fault of the drivers, attempts to avoid the accident, and severity of the injuries or death.

            Both "EDR" and "ECM" downloads must be done by individuals qualified to obtain and interpret the information harvested from the devices.  Armed with this information, your attorney may be able to utilize this critical information in evaluating your vehicle accident case.  Time is of the essence regarding the inspection of any accident vehicle.  This is of particular significance when commercial vehicles are involved that are often owned by different entities and are immediately removed to different locations.  Valuable information about the use and operation of a motor vehicle prior to, during, and after a crash should be preserved in each case.

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