NHTSA: Standardized Black Box Recorders for All Cars Made After 2013

By Rasansky McKenzie

Do you know whether or not your vehicle is equipped with a black box recorder?

While most Texans don’t know whether or not their car has an event data recorder (EDR), many would be surprised to learn that almost all new cars come with the devices. They will also be required in vehicles beginning next year. Currently, a majority of cars on the road have EDRs. As of last year, car manufacturers are required by law to tell buyers whether or not an EDR is in their vehicle.

What is an EDR?

Very simply, it is a small device that records the actions of the driver and the car itself. In the event of aDallas car accident, a black box recorder can help you, the courts, and the insurance company better understand how and why the wreck took place, as well as who may have been at fault.
Beginning next year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will require all car manufacturers to install a standardized EDR in all of the vehicles that they sell. These black boxes will record an array of information in the event of a crash:

• How fast the vehicle was traveling before the crash.
• How many collisions took place and the time between collisions.
• Whether the driver was wearing a seatbelt.
• How far down the accelerator was pressed.
• Which dashboard warning lights were on before the crash.
• The change in speed of the vehicle during the crash.
• Whether the brake was used.

After a traffic accident, who gets to see the crash data collected by the EDR?

Although the information is owned by the owner of the car, you may have given your insurance company permission to access the information when you signed your contract. While the information may be key in proving your story is valid, it could also reveal inconsistencies. Most believe that required black boxes will help us better understand car accidents and come to just decisions in personal injury cases. However, it is important that you know about the black box in your car and how it could be used if you are involved in a crash.
Do you need a Dallas car accident attorney or personal injury lawyer? Call Rasansky | McKenzie Law today at (214) 651-6100 to schedule a meeting and learn more about your case.

About the Author

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