Learn more about current black box or EDR (Electronic Data Recorder) technology in vehicles and what information can be preserved after a crash.

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Black Boxes & Evidence Preservation

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What is it?
The “Black Box”
• Technically, the black box is referred to as
an Event Data Recorder (EDR)
• Typically it is the vehicle’s Airbag Control
Module:
– It senses accelerations
– It decides whether or not to deploy
airbags
• Its secondary function is data recording
– And the recorded data can be
“imaged”!
• Current EDR technology is primarily
reactive not proactive
• The stored data provides experts with
a powerful tool to aid in collision
reconstruction

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What does it record?
The “Black Box”
Deployment
Events
• Recorded when an airbag
was commanded to deploy
during a collision
• Deployment Events are
locked and cannot be
overwritten
• If airbags have already
deployed and the vehicle is
involved in subsequent and
related severe collision,
some modules may record
a Deployment Level Event
Non-Deployment
Events
• Recorded when the
vehicle experiences higher
than normal accelerations
sufficient enough to “wake
up” the system, but not
high enough to warrant an
air bag deployment
• Non-Deployment Events
are not locked and may be
overwritten
• Some modules may erase
an event after 250 ignition
cycles

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Commonly recorded parameters
The “Black Box”
Note: The data recorded depends on the vehicle make, model, and year; whether or not data was stored depends on the severity of the event.

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History and evolution
The “Black Box”
The capabilities of the EDR have increased significantly since their
introduction, and are expected to continue to do so.
Longitudinal
Delta V
Deployment & non-
deployment events
Ignition cycles
Driver seat belt
Longitudinal &
Lateral Delta V
Passenger seat belt*
Multiple events
Event classification
Pre-crash data
Passenger seat belt
Steering Position
Self-driving
telemetry?
GPS position?
Vehicle-to-
infrastructure
communication?
Inter-vehicle
communication?

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The data stored within a
black box may be lost (i.e.
spoliation) due to:
• Vehicle Salvage
• EDR Replacement
• Improper Handling/Imaging
• Moisture/Fire Damage
• Tampering
Preserve evidence early to avoid having data overwritten or lost!
The data recorded by black
boxes could be inaccurate
in certain collision
scenarios:
• Vehicle yaw, pitch or roll
(pre-impact)
• Wheel slip or wheel lock
• Large changes in drivetrain
(especially tire diameter)
Preserving Black Box Evidence
Why it’s critical to have a qualified professional preserve evidence early:
Black box modules should be handled and interpreted by trained individuals who
are aware of how these modules record and store information to ensure information
is not overwritten or misinterpreted

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When in doubt, go forensic!
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© Kodsi Engineering Inc. 2015 – All Rights Reserved
Did you know that we offer
seminars at our office or yours?
To schedule a more in-depth presentation for
you and your team about black boxes and
evidence preservation, or any of the current
topics on the right, contact us directly at:
416-977-0009
1-800-263-6351
info@kodsiengineering.com