By Pendergast Law on December 12, 2012
Since 2007, most cars, trucks, minivans, and SUVs sold in the United States have contained an event data recorder (EDR), also known as a “black box.” Like the “black boxes” used in airplanes, EDRs in motor vehicles record data during an accident. The data collected may be used to recreate the accident or to determine if some part of the vehicle failed and caused the crash, making it valuable to vehicle developers, insurance companies, and experienced Seattle car accident attorneys.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has considered mandating EDRs in all new motor vehicles for several years. Now, the agency is one step closer to creating a standardized final rule that will apply to all new vehicles sold in the U.S. and that will require all light-duty vehicles to be equipped with EDRs.
The White House has recently finished reviewing the NHTSA’s proposed regulations for EDRs. The next step, according to the agency, is to create finalized rules to present to the general public.
One major hurdle the NHTSA faces in creating the proposed rules is dealing with the privacy concerns of motorists and car companies, both of which say that the rules should contain limits on who may access EDR data and under what circumstances. Currently, most automakers will use “black box” information to improve safety only with the permission of the vehicle’s owner.
At Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S., our skilled Washington car accident attorneys are dedicated to thoroughly investigating each case we handle, fighting for our clients’ rights to compensation so that they can focus on healing. Call us today at 888-539-9211 for a free consultation.