I just read a news article that a guy in Canada was found guilty of "dangerous driving causing death" based upon the "Black Box data" in his GM vehicle. According to the news clip, this technology is included within the airbag system and is present is "most" vehicles. Although it shouldn't be a surprise, I had no idea this was commonly in place.

Here's an excerpt from the article:

Pamela McLaughlin, a spokeswoman for General Motors Canada in Oshawa, Ont., said when the automaker first introduced the airbag system in 1973, it included the ability to record crash-related data when the airbag is deployed.

"All of our GM vehicles have a sensing diagnostic module," she said.

"The SDM records the condition of the vehicle and how it was operated in a crash or near-crash event such as the engine speed, brake applications, the throttle position, seat-belt usage, air-bag readiness and the severity of a collision."

McLaughlin also said the information can obtained if a warrant is issued.

"There are instances where legally, an official request can be made by the police or a government office."

McLaughlin added that all automakers have the black boxes in the majority of their vehicles