U.S. urged to put 'black boxes' in passenger cars

[54anickel]

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20040804.wblack0804/BNStory/International/

Washington — The U.S. government should require data recorders in all passenger vehicles, federal safety officials said in a recommendation arising from the investigation of a car crash that killed 10 people and injured 63.

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The board concluded that investigators could have gained a better scientific understanding of Mr. Weller's behaviour had his car been outfitted with an event data recorder, known usually as a “black box.”


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Proponents of black boxes in passenger vehicles say they could provide investigators with an exhaustive database that could highlight flaws in auto and road designs.

Critics worry about who would get access to that information. Privacy advocate David Sobel said millions of drivers on the road now have no idea that their vehicles are collecting data.

more...

[sui generis]

1. that's a privacy issue for sure

I don't care that my vehicle is collecting data that will be used to determine culpability in an accident.

It's when that data goes to the insurance companies to determine that I routinely drive 80mph on some stretches of highway and therefore fit into a higher "risk" pool for insurance that I have a problem with it.

What pisses me off more than anything though is hearing a lame argument put forth as a reason to invade our privacy. I want to know exactly WHO these "proponents" are, and what their interest REALLY is. I suspect it is the insurance companies.

[HuckleB]

3. I suspect...

that having one, and being able to "prove" you're a safe driver will one day affect insurance rates.

Not sure what happens to people with older vehicles, however. I wonder if used cars will go up in value?

[TahitiNut]

4. Or it's subpoenaed in a divorce ...

... to show that a spouse left work for a 'nooner' with a lover.

[mongo]

2. How long will it take for the insurance companies

To get readers for these black boxes?

Ever exceed the speed limit? Your insurance agent will know and be able to adjust your insurance premium accordingly.

But it's all for our own good, I'm sure....

[burrowowl]

5. Parents can now

install them to check on their teens' driving.

An aside, did you take the poll on the side on was the terrorist alert political? Overwhelming Yes.

[Dover]

6. Always using a single incident or tragedy to set up an excuse for more

intrusion and surveillance of citizens' lives. The quick spread of information magnifies what is actually NOT an extensive problem. AND machines are fallible and not situational.

Of course the Insurance Lobby is behind this one.

[tabasco]

7. "Federal Safety Officials"

[Swamp Rat]

8. The black market will have plenty of reprogrammed black boxes for sale.

I'd rip out ANY device put in my car. What could they do to you if you say, "someone stole my black box last night because I'm such a wonderful driver."

I hardly ever drive my car much anyway. It'll be real hard to put them on bicycles.

[Mithras61]

9. Well, if they're serious about it, this device will...

prevent your vehicle from running if it is disconnected. But that's pretty 1984ish...

[lapfog_1]

12. Worse than that

a number of law enforcement agencies want a radio controlled
"interrupter" circuit added to new models of cars. The given
reason is to stop fleeing criminals and put an end to the
nightly video of the high speed chase. Of course, much like
the freepers are scared of gun control, everyone should be
scared of "vehicle control"... that's an awesome power to put
into the hands of your gov.

[Swamp Rat]

13. Right. They will integrate it in the system so the car won't run

That's why programming and hardware geniuses will make a killing on the black market. I'm no genius but I can disable just about any device they can think of... so could you. People will also be stealing other's "driving records" from their cars and selling them or putting them in their own cars.

This is a Pandora's black box, especially if we are to consider privacy issues.

[Tight_rope]

10. That's what I was thinking..some one other then government will make money

[TahitiNut]

11. If implemented, their recording time should be limited.

AFAIK, the Flight Data Recorders on airplanes are "continuous loop" devices that only keep the last 'x' minutes. I'd be willing to march/protest/lobby to keep such data recorders out of private automobiles but secondarily limit the amount of time they record. Clearly, the fulcrum of 'probably cause' is bearing ever larger levers.

[AngryAmish]

14. Many cars already have these devices

If I recall correctly, Cadillac and other high-end cars have them. They are very helpful to accident reconstructionists. They are event recorders talking about inputs of gas, brake, steering wheel, G-meters. They continuous loop and usually have a short memory (less than a minute).

[Moderator]

15. Duplicate

Please continue here:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=725730