Vehicle's black box creates new privacy concerns for drivers

I n case you haven't heard, Big Brother is climbing into your car.

The government has set guidelines for the so-called "black boxes" automakers install in new vehicles to record how fast you were driving, when you hit the brakes, airbag deployment and other data.

The big question now: How will that information be used?

We all know that the first thing investigators look for when a plane crashes is the black box. It records critical flight data in the moments leading up to the crash. So can we foresee investigators scrambling for your vehicle's recorder when you are involved in an accident.

In the case of a serious accident, there are plenty of people who would like to get their hands on the data in a vehicle's recorder.

Automakers say they want access to the data so they can learn from what went wrong and therefore design safer vehicles. And there's insurance companies, looking to establish blame, and there's always a chance a lawyer or two might want to take a gander.


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I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 8/30/2006 12:50:03 PM

+1 Boost

Not only will I start asking about this BOX whenever i am about to purchase a car, I will also insist it be REMOVED before it is delivered to me. If the dealership will not do it, then I will not Buy the Vehicle.

horta - 8/30/2006 2:35:44 PM

+1 Boost

I don't have a problem with this. If I was speeding and caused an accident then fine, this will prove my guilt. At the same time if the other guy was speeding then this will prove his guilt. These things just show more substantial evidence vs lawyers making things up.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 8/30/2006 4:14:21 PM

+1 Boost

And what about when the system is modified to send info via bluetooth to speed traps posted along freeways about your speed history over any given stretch ??

Every system when initially pitched at the public, is promoted as some sort of safety device, then it is slowly modified to become a revenue generator

Speed & Parking Cameras in the UK is a perfect example.
Not to mention 55mph Limits on NA freeways and Cops with Radar Guns every 5 miles.

horta - 8/30/2006 4:28:03 PM

+1 Boost

Now transmitting your information out on a regular basis is a whole nother story. A Plane black box does not transmit, it only records. I have no problem with a data recorder. A data transnitter I do have a problem with. I drive all the time at 90plus mph. On ocasions I love hitting 130 or 140 mph. This is only on highways with no traffic, so I am only putting myself in danger. Yes, I could get a ticket but I wont hurt anyone. I do not feel those actions deserve a ticket, but if my car had a data transmitter I would have tickets all the time.

mstangpny07 - 8/30/2006 5:24:24 PM

+1 Boost

horta:
HUH?
You drive 90+ mph all the time? And sometimes 140?
What happens if some little granny in her Buick Skylark suddenly pulls infront of you?
You'd both be toast.
Dosen't your car have a limiter?

YZFracer23 - 8/30/2006 5:38:22 PM

+1 Boost

mstangpny07, no car worth buying is limited under at least 150mph. So even if his car has a limiter, like most cars, it won't kick in until around 145ish.

I don't have a problem with black boxes like those in airplanes. I feel it could be good for research in the event of an accident. This idea of sending infomation of when you are speeding is unacceptable though. Speeding should not be illegal. Everyone should be able to drive w/e speed they want according to their skill. If you drive too fast for your skill or vehicle and get hurt, then that's your fault. Over 60% of Americans speed, doesn't that tell something to the government. And if that many people speed, how in the world did the speed limits get put soooooo low?? Somebody should do something, I wish I had the power.