Colloquially known as "black boxes," flight recorders have been a staple in aviation since the late 1960s, aiding in investigations following accidents. Interestingly, despite their name, these devices are not black; they are typically bright orange for easier location after a crash. In a significant parallel development, a similar technology, known as the Event Data Recorder (EDR), is set to become a mandatory feature in all new cars sold within the European Union (EU), starting from July 2024.
As of July 2024, newly registered cars in the EU, falling under the M1 class (passenger cars with up to eight seats) and N1 class (commercial vehicles like pickup trucks and vans not exceeding 3,500 kilograms), are required to be equipped with an EDR as a standard feature. This regulatory mandate aligns with the EU's commitment to enhancing automotive safety and accountability. Notably, no type approvals have been granted to automakers seeking to homologate new cars in the EU since July 2022.
Accidents carry significant financial and legal implications, often requiring thorough investigations to determine fault. The EDR serves as the automotive equivalent of a black box, recording crucial data to aid authorities in understanding the events leading up to a crash.
According to the European Commission's documentation, the EDR captures specific parameters within a short timeframe—five seconds before the crash and 0.3 seconds after impact. The recorded data includes speed, braking details, the car's position and tilt on the road, and the response of built-in safety systems. Additionally, the EDR analyzes the activation of the emergency call system (eCall), a mandatory feature in the EU since April 2018. The data must be stored with high accuracy and ensured survivability.
Typically integrated into the airbag control unit, the EDR operates automatically, triggered when airbags and seatbelt tensioners activate. Recording commences with events like the vehicle's active hood deployment or a change in speed exceeding 8 km/h (5 mph) within 0.15 seconds.
Understanding ownership and access rights to the data stored in the EDR is crucial. The recorded information belongs to the driver or vehicle owner, operating within a closed-loop system to ensure anonymity and prevent unauthorized manipulation. Notably, sensitive details like the last four digits of the vehicle identification number (VIN) are not stored, preserving the owner's identity.
Access to the data is restricted to competent authorities involved in accident reconstruction. The information can be obtained through the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) interface, and if the port is damaged in the crash, direct access to the black box becomes necessary.
In the United States, the discussion around mandatory EDRs in new cars began in the Obama administration in 2012. However, the proposal was withdrawn in 2019, as automakers had voluntarily installed these devices in most vehicles. In 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposed an increase in the pre-crash data storage requirement for cars equipped with EDRs.
According to the NHTSA's estimation, a vast majority—up to 99.5 percent—of new cars sold in the United States are equipped with an event data recorder. This widespread adoption showcases the automotive industry's commitment to leveraging technology for enhanced safety and accident analysis.
As the EU implements mandatory EDRs in cars, aligning with aviation's use of flight recorders, the automotive industry enters a new era of safety and accountability. The widespread adoption of this technology reflects a global commitment to leveraging data for understanding and mitigating the impact of road accidents.