Utilizing data from automotive event data recorders

Abstract

In March 2000, Vetronix Corporation unveiled a Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) system that allows users to download data from certain GM vehicles subjected to a crash event involving the deployment or near deployment of an airbag. The recording of crash event data is a by-product of the introduction of airbags and the need to measure or sense the severity of a crash by automobile manufacturers. GM has been using a Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) to measure crash severity since 1994 and started recording pre-crash data, such as vehicle speed, engine RPM, throttle position, and brake status with some 1999 model year vehicles. This paper reviews the evolution of automatic recording devices in transportation, including the automotive Event Data Recorder (EDR). The recording and retrieval of data in the GM and Vetronix systems are examined with particular attention on using the data for accident reconstruction purposes. Twelve low speed tests investigate the current threshold and sensitivity for recording data, while five case studies investigate the usefulness and limitations of the recorded data.