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A black box, also known as the Event Data Recorder (EDR) for short, records all of the data during the flight of an airplane, such as altitude, air speed, and sound and voice transmissions. Typically, black boxes are anything but black. They are usually a vibrant color, which makes them easier to find in the plane debris following a crash.
Almost everyone knows that air crafts have a black box. What you may not know, however, is that your vehicle might also have one. This box, which is about the size of a bar of soap, is installed in about 70 percent of all new cars. It is unnoticeable and usually rests under your seat or dashboard, and it is activated when your vehicle’s airbags are set off.
The event data recorders, only record data in theseconds leading up to and after it realizes your airbags are about to go off. The following information is recorded by the EDR:
* Engine speed
* Automobile speed
* Throttle Position
* Brake Status
* If the passenger’s airbag is off or on
* If the driver’s seat belt is off or on
* If the IR Warning Light is car impact to airbag deployment
* Ignition cycle count at investigation
* Ignition cycle count at time of the crash
* Maximum velocity before deployment
* Velocity verse time for frontal airbag deployment
* Time from vehicle impact to time of maximum velocity
* Time between the air bags about to deploy and deployment if it is within five seconds
Insurance carriers use this data to help assess accident information and configure auto insurance prices. Police officers also use the data gathered by the box to reconstruct what happened leading up to the crash.
General Motors has been installing black boxes in their automobiles since 1999, and several other vehicle manufacturers have been using them since 1996. Accident investigators, insurance carriers, police and government researchers say such data is critical to learning how to build safer automobiles. Privacy advocates say EDRs are a way to obtain information that can be used to incriminate people who have been in accidents.
Starting in 2011, auto manufactures will be required to tell consumers if their new vehicle has an event data recorder, or “black box”. Vehicle makers haven’t been forthcoming about information on the devices, so this is good news.
There are other instruments available to install on your car to help you receive Discount Auto Insurance. IVOX Corporation and Progressive Insurance have invented devises that monitor your driving habits at all times. So if you install one of these monitors, make sure when getting Free Insurance Quotes to inform your agent so he can add on the additional discount for you.
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