The Role of Airbag Event Data Recorders in Collision Investigations

Modern vehicles have airbag modules with event data recorders (EDR). EDRs can also be black boxes or in-vehicle data recorders. They can record five seconds of pre-collision information. This pre-collision data includes the following:

Speed engine revolutions per minute (RPM)
Throttle positions
Vehicle gear
Brake applications
Antilock brake activations
Steering angle
Stability control activations
Seat belt wear
Delta-V (velocity change)
Vehicle dynamics
System status
Restraint use

EDRs are essential in vehicles because they can provide information about a crash’s severity and other drivers’ speeds. They will collect information when airbags are deployed. Data can also be sometimes stored even when the airbags don’t deploy, depending on the car’s year, make, and model.

When you’re involved in a collision or accident, police will request permission or give a search warrant to access your EDR. EDRs are critical in investigations because they provide the entire picture of the events before, during, and after an accident. The information can serve as evidence in personal injury lawsuits and trials.

EDRs are also crucial to medical professionals and insurance companies. Medical professionals use EDR data to assess how to treat damages such as brain injuries. Insurance companies use EDR data to evaluate how much compensation drivers and car owners deserve. Insurance providers can use EDRs to determine if an individual is high-risk.

High-risk individuals can be refused or charged with higher insurance premiums. They may also have their licences suspended or disqualified, be charged with convictions, pay fines, and get demerit points if found guilty in a collision.

Be a responsible driver so no one can use your EDR against you. Check and maintain your vehicle regularly to ensure all system integrations work correctly.

Contact Diamond and Diamond today to learn about your rights and deserved compensation if you were harmed by a motor vehicle accident in Canada.