Automobile data recorders

Automobile Data Recorders are devices installed in motor vehicles to record technical vehicle and occupant information for a brief period before, during, and after a triggering event, typically a crash or near-crash event.  Sometimes referred to as “black-box” data, these data or event records can be valuable when analyzing and reconstructing an accident.  Exponent engineers have the specialized training and technical knowledge required to integrate physical evidence with data and produce a comprehensive vehicle accident reconstruction analysis.

Recorded event data can include

Multiple event records

Vehicle speed

Change in velocity (Delta-V)

Longitudinal acceleration

Lateral acceleration

Brake application

ABS activity

Seatbelt usage

Percent throttle

Engine speed

Steering wheel angle

Yaw rate

Roll angle

Gear selection

Tire pressure