What is an EDR?
Event Data Recorders (EDRs) are functions within one or more vehicle electronic modules that capture vehicle and restraint information in the event of a crash in which air bags may or may not deploy. In General Motors vehicles, the EDR function is typically housed in a control module, such as the sensing and diagnostic module, the engine control module or the stability control or 4-wheel steering modules. These modules are located in various places in the vehicle, such as under a front seat, in the center console or under the dash.
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What is the difference between an EDR and a “black box”?
A “black box” typically refers to a flight data recorder (FDR) used in aircraft. The FDR records extensive crash and in-flight data and is intended to be used to reconstruct the cause of a crash. A vehicle EDR records limited crash data and is used to understand vehicle system operations. A vehicle EDR does not record voices.
Why are manufacturers installing EDRs in vehicles?
An EDR’s main purpose is to record data for retrieval after a crash that will assist in the understanding of how a particular vehicle’s systems performed.
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Can the EDR record where a vehicle was or how fast it was going at any given time?
GM EDRs do not continuously record vehicle speed data that is capable of being accessed. Only in the event of a crash will such data be recorded. The EDR typically does not record location or other outside conditions.
Under what circumstances will GM access EDR data?
GM will not access EDR information or share it with others except:
- With the consent of the vehicle owner or, if the vehicle is leased, with the consent of the lessee.
- In connection with litigation, through the discovery process;
- In response to an official request of police or a similar government office or;
- As required by law.
In addition, once GM collects or receives data, GM may:
- Use the data for GM research needs;
- Make it available to non-GM organizations for research, where appropriate confidentiality is to be maintained and need is shown; or,
- Share summary data, which is not tied to a specific vehicle with non-GM organizations for research purposes.
How does GM use EDR data ?
GM uses event data to assess and improve the safety and performance-related functions of its vehicles. GM also uses the data to respond to customer inquiries and claims, to respond to requests by government officials, and to defend its products in litigation.
Under what circumstances can third parties, such as law enforcement, download data from the EDR?
Third parties, such as law enforcement, may have access to the special equipment that can read the EDR information and can download the data if they have access to the vehicle or SDM . This is done independently of GM. In addition, GM may receive an official request from the police or similar government office, or be subpoenaed to access the data.
General Motors Policy
Collecting and Handling Electronically Recorded Event Data
This policy concerns GM’s collection and subsequent handling of electronically recorded event data. It applies to data retrievable from Air Bag Sensing and Diagnostic Modules (SDMs) or other modules in the vehicle that record event data. This policy is administered within GM by Vehicle Structure and Safety Integration
If a vehicle is equipped with OnStar®, the OnStar subscription service agreement’s terms and conditions contain information on its operation, data collection and handling. This policy is not applicable to OnStar subscription services.
Collection of Data
General Motors’ vehicles, like other modern motor vehicles, have a number of computer systems that monitor and control aspects of the vehicle’s performance such as airbag deployment, emissions and optimization of fuel economy, and if so equipped, vehicle steering and braking in difficult driving situations. Some information may be stored during regular operations to facilitate repair of detected malfunctions. Other information is stored only in a crash event.
In a crash event, some on-board computers may record information about the condition of the vehicle and how it was operated such as engine speed, brake application, throttle position, vehicle speed, safety belt usage, air bag readiness, and air bag performance.
GM’s uses of Data
GM uses event data to improve the safety and performance-related functions of the vehicle. The data is also used to defend our products in litigation. GM may use crash data for GM research efforts or make it available to other researchers where a need is shown and appropriate confidentiality is maintained by removing identifiers that link a particular vehicle to an individual such as VIN, owner or driver name, etc.
Access to the Data
To retrieve electronically recorded data, special equipment is needed and access to the vehicle or the device that stores the data is required. GM will not access information about a crash event or share it with others except:
- with the consent of the vehicle owner or, if the vehicle is leased, with the consent of the lessee,
- in response to an official request of police or similar government office,
- as part of GM’s defense of litigation through the discovery process, or
- as required by law.
GM will provide the owner or lessee with a description of any potential uses of the data by GM before GM inspects the vehicle. A copy of the downloaded data will be made available to the owner or lessee. Upon request, a translation of the available and relevant data will be provided.
GM has licensed the information that allows a third party to create tools to access the EDR information. The tool, which is available commercially, can only be used with access to the vehicle or the device that stores the data
Additional Information
Visit the NHTSA web site to read the press release announcing new DOT rule for event data recorders.
