NTSB to require electronic data recorders in new cars

[ylexot]

Proponents, including the NTSB and road safety advocates, say the data collected on these black boxes is valuable for studying how accidents happen and how to make roads and cars safer. EDR data has been used for years to fine tune air bag efficiency.

Lord knows I am a gadget freak, but this is just I'm getting really tired of the government trying to protect me from myself. If they want to make the roads safer, teach people to drive. Driver's ed is a joke. So is the driving "test" (at least in MD).

While I'm at it, get rid of the requirement for air bags too. 5-point harnesses are cheaper and more effective if you are really concerned about safety.

 

[Oz]

Cars already have these. Granted that the use is becoming more widespread. Currently, they only "record" the stats of the (roughly) 5 seconds prior to airbag deployment.

It's not a black box, in the sense that you can see how fast the parking valet drove your car when he returns it to you. The biggest use I can see of this data is to deny insurance claims for people who have been breaking the law prior to their accident. However, what happens when you're driving 55 in a 50, and you hit the guy who just ran a red light or a stop sign. You're both breaking the law, and the EDR data proves it. Not sure this is a consumer benefit, or a way for the insurance companies to deny claims and save money...

 

[Voter2002]

I'm willing to bet my house that the biggest group of "proponents" is the insurance industry...and it ain't to "help" the consumer any...it's a way to protect and tighten up their pursestrings!

 

[Pete]

In addition to the above listed intrusions it is yet another way for government meddling is going to drive up the cost of cars.

 

[Kizzy]

I posted something before on this topic I just cannot help but feel that even though the intentions are good to start off with, that eventually, it will lead to meddling.

 

[ylexot]

Cars already have these. Granted that the use is becoming more widespread. Currently, they only "record" the stats of the (roughly) 5 seconds prior to airbag deployment.

Correction...some cars have these. I have no problem with that. If a consumer wants one (I think it should be optional equipment), I have no problem with it. However, I have a really big problem with a government agency (I don't remember voting for representation in the NTSB) requiring them. I won't buy a car with one. Buh-bye GM, Ford, and Chrysler. I guess I can scratch them off the list of cars to consider. Their only hope with me is to make them in such a way that they are removable. As Pete mentioned, it will increase the cost of cars (I'd guess only ~$100). And what is it for? Somebody in the NTSB (possibly with insurance company involvement) wants to do a science experiment.