Will the Toyota Black Boxes be Savior or Slayer?
Posted: Thu Feb 18, 2010 11:44 am
Feb 15, 2010: WardsAuto.com report Black Boxes Could Be Courtroom Savior or Slayer for Toyota: Electronic data recorders (EDRs), commonly known as black boxes, could make or break unintended acceleration allegations against Toyota Motor Corp. The information contained on EDRs can supplement accident investigation and reconstruction in determining the circumstances of an accident: accleration, speed, braking, throttle positions, many of these items are recorded on EDRs just prior to and during a collision.
The majority of cars and trucks sold in the U.S. today typically have EDRs. Only General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler Group LLC have allowed vehicle owners access to the EDR data. EDRs differ among auto makers, and even within a brand’s lineup. But most record events just prior to and following a frontal crash and some are now recording infromation on side impacts related to side airbag deployment decisions.
So the question will become: What information do Toyota vehicles record on their EDRs and how and when will that information be made available to supplement the investigation into the various Toyota recall issues?
See the WardAuto.com article Black Boxes Could Be Courtroom Savior or Slayer for Toyota
The majority of cars and trucks sold in the U.S. today typically have EDRs. Only General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler Group LLC have allowed vehicle owners access to the EDR data. EDRs differ among auto makers, and even within a brand’s lineup. But most record events just prior to and following a frontal crash and some are now recording infromation on side impacts related to side airbag deployment decisions.
So the question will become: What information do Toyota vehicles record on their EDRs and how and when will that information be made available to supplement the investigation into the various Toyota recall issues?
See the WardAuto.com article Black Boxes Could Be Courtroom Savior or Slayer for Toyota