I was looking something up in my F-150 owner's manual ( I happen to have a PDF of it) and noticed this on page 6:

"Data Recording Computers in your vehicle are capable of recording detailed data potentially including but not limited to information such as:
• the use of restraint systems including seat belts by the driver and passengers,
• information about the performance of various systems and modules in the vehicle, and
• information related to engine, throttle, steering, brake or other system status.

Any of this information could potentially include information regarding how the driver operates the vehicle, potentially including but not limited to information regarding vehicle speed, brake or accelerator application, or steering input. This information may be stored during regular operation or in a crash or near crash event. This stored information may be read out and used by:
• Ford Motor Company.
• service and repair facilities.
• law enforcement or government agencies.
• others who may assert a right or obtain your consent to know such information."

Not something I expected to find. I had heard about the possibility, but did not expect to find it on a vehicle in production already. Wait until insurance companies find out about this....

 

They already know...Drive Safely

 

I read an article about this a couple of weeks ago. Cops have been downloading the info to find how fast people were going that got into accidents, if and when the brakes were applied, etc...

I wasn't to happy to find out Big Brother was in my truck

 

Not much to worry about, unless you think that it's alright for you to break traffic laws, that lead to a crash.

The device records a constant 5 second loop. Manufacturers originally intalled them to study the moments leading up to a crash. The government recently started using them to prosecute through. That's why a lot of people are upset.

So many people feel they can do anything they want and then think they don't have to face the consequences of their actions. If you don't want to go to jail for manslaughter, vehicular homicide, etc... don't go 100mph in a 45mph zone.

Perfect example of why this is a good thing.

 

Too many people not willing to take responsibility for their actions. When that happens, someone will step up to the plate and figure out a way to make them responsible. Hence the vehicle data recorder.
Hate it, or love it, it's here and I have a feeling it will do more good than harm.

 

Personally, I like the idea because it makes us more accountable for our actions.
As long as the government / authorities use it for the purpose it was intended, then I can't see a problem.

It''s not like the black box will snitch on you for being at a shady motel or something.

I could see insurance companies using it to deny claims though...
If you're driving 100MPH in a 30, and total your vehicle, I can see them saying "well, your covergae is for accidents, not for driving like a stupid idiot."

The question will be "where do they draw the line?" to deny coverage.
Could your claim be disaproved because you were driving 40 over? 30 over? They need to get this stuff worked out, but I think it's good for all of us.

Habibi

 

There was a discussion about this on another site, Chevrolets have had them installed for years and when one guy got into an accident, they took the info of off his car and denied his insurance claim because it said he was driving improperly. It said he was speeding, he was but he lied, his claim was denied. I dont drive like an idiot so I guess I dont mind.

 

I am torn on the issue, but the case above was just stupid. 114mph vs. 50mph is just wrong. As Habibi said, where will they draw the line? What about the person driving 10mph over the speed limit when another car pulls out in front of him or t-bones him? Is is now the person driving along with traffic disobeying the speed limit now at fault even though the other driver made a mistake or misjudgement? I can see too many gray areas for the use of data recorders.

 

As Aj and some others pointed out there is NOTHING to fear from the recorder if you follow and obey the laws. To those that don't I hope they get hit with stiff fines and jail time if needed.

Personal Responsibility is the key, if you have it then nothing to fear, if you don't have it oh well, so sad, you will be forced to now...

Good day...

 

That's the real trick, isn't it...

 

I agree, it can be a good thing. The problem is, it is only in some of the vehicles now. There could be an incident where some one driving an older vehicle is totally at fault but the information gathered from the data recorder says that the driver of the newer car was doing ten mph over the speed limit. If it were in every vehicle I think it would be fair.

It is good that people will be held accountable. I just hope that they hold the right person accountable.

I would guess that the aftermarket knows about this too. There are some pretty smart people out there who, I'm sure can find a way around this and market it. For a small fee.

 

Trust me on this and remember where you heard it first. If and when it is perceived as a real threat the aftermarket will take care of it. They will come out with something that when the driver decides can “fry” the chip, or clear the memory of the chip with the information. It doesn’t take much to fry and/or clear the memory of an IC chip of which this 5 second info is stored in.

 

Just a couple of thoughts.

If you are buying the car on contract or leasing it, the title resides with the seller and they can probably insist that the information contained in the computer must be accessible to them.

If, however, you own the vehicle and never signed a waiver or whatever that states that the manufacturer or any law enforcement agency or insurance company has the right to access the info in your computer you would be well within your rights to tell them to take a hike. Or, if they read the info without your permission it should be inadmissable in court..

Not promoting bad driving, just looking for a reading of the law.
Bill