What are all yalls opinions on these little data recorders?

 

In airplanes? Very crucial to our understanding of accidents.

 

He is referring to the recorders in our new vehicles...........

 

They have been around for years. At least since 2004 in the f150.

 

With BB you could be screwed if you did something that leads to a serious accident! The cops here in Orlando HAVE used these to investigate some serious accidents but I doubt they'll be routined checked. At least until someone developes and simple, quick way to access them. But you KNOW thta day is coming!

 

There are clearly benefits to the manufacturer, insurance companies, and law enforcement. Maybe even some benefits to the consumer.

But the consumer should be aware this technology has potential to be abused.

In the event of a malfunction or accident, it will be your word against the word of whoever is reading the data from your black box. Not a problem if they are trustworthy, but there will be instances where the companies/persons reading the black box data will have incentive to make stuff up.

The whole thing is a slippery slope, IMO. But most people welcome it or ignore it.

 

I think there may also be a question of legality of using it's data. As you own the vehicle, it would be like you not being allowed to take the fifth and testifying against yourself.

 

its no different from any other electronic devices that store data and you own....depending in the case a search warrant can be issued for it....

 

Ah, but most vehicles (especially those under warranty) are financed or leased. In effect, still owned by the lender, not by the driver. My guess is there is something already in the fine print of the sales or lease contract that allows the lender and manufacturer to retrieve the data, especially if the vehicle is under warranty.

Black box stuff for warranty and insurance claims is just the tip of the iceberg. The technology exists for them to know where your car is at all times, and to disable it remotely if necessary.

People will WANT this to be installed on their cars, in the event of theft, car jacking, etc...What they will also get is the ability of the lender and insurance company to disable your car if your payment is late, or for law enforcement to disable your rig if you have some parking tickets, or if your ex says you did not pay your child support.

Once the technology is installed, we will be at the mercy of those who apply it upon us. If they are honest and trustworthy, it's a minor imposition. If they are abusive and predatory, it will be very intrusive. Trustworthy or abusive? The choice will be theirs, not yours.

 

I have heard a repaint with lead based paints and running tinfoil hubcaps will disable the satellite tracking abilities.

 

These have absolutely nothing to do with location or theft. It records speed, vehicle attitude, etc. You have to have something like Lo-jack for location.

As for other electronic devices, those are not mandated like the black boxes.

 

I have never even heard of these. Where are they located, in the cab?

 

From what I have read, mostly under seats or in center consoles. Don't know what would happen if they were disconnected.

May look like this.

 

Here is the article in case any of you would like to read it. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/22/bu...anted=all&_r=0

 

I try not to do anything too stupid so I really don't care.