You may have heard of the term "black box" in the context of aviation, but did you know that your car may also have one? Also known as an event data recorder (EDR), a black box is a device that records critical information about a vehicle's performance and the driver's behaviour leading up to an accident. While some drivers may be concerned about their privacy being compromised, these devices can be essential in determining the cause of an accident and holding responsible parties accountable. In this law blog, we'll delve into the technology behind black boxes, their legal implications, and what drivers need to know.

From how the data can be used in a court of law to steps you can take to protect your rights, we'll cover it all. So, if you're wondering whether your car has a black box and what it means for you, keep reading to find out.

 

What is a black box?

The black box was designed to work closely with the airbag control module (ACM), which is a system that controls when and how the airbag deploys. For this purpose, the black box will record information that could help determine the cause of the accident, such as how fast the car was moving, whether the airbag was functioning correctly, and when it was deployed to the impact.

However, black boxes must follow strict regulations by governing bodies like National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States. Here is the information black boxes can record:

• Changes in forwarding crash acceleration
• The speed the vehicle was traveling 
• How far the accelerator was pushed down
• If the brakes were engaged
• If the driver was wearing a seatbelt
• If the airbag engaged 
• The total number of collisions, etc.

Please note that the black box can only record a few seconds of information before the crash and does not include audio or video information. However, the data it records is beneficial to the investigations or analysis after the incident.

Retrieving information from a black box

You probably have never seen your car's black box or know where it's located. While it's not impossible to identify and access, it can be quite a challenge without experience and the necessary equipment.

While a black box could help fill in the blanks after an accident, the data can be misused. In case of an accident, law enforcement is often the first group to show interest in your car's black box. However, they must obtain a search warrant to retrieve and access the information on the black box.

When involved in a car accident, the best thing you can do is to get in touch with an experienced personal injury attorney. Since information on the black box can be used against you, depending on the nature of the accident. So go ahead and give us a call or fill out our contact form to

Summer is the perfect time for road trips, but it's important to remember that increased travel and warmer temperatures can also mean more risks on the road. As a responsible driver, it's essential to take steps to stay safe during the summer months. Many factors can put you and your passengers in danger, from tire blowouts to distracted driving. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, summer is the most dangerous season for drivers, with July and August being the deadliest.

 We'll discuss the importance of checking your tires, staying hydrated, watching for wildlife, avoiding distractions, and taking breaks to stay alert on long drives in this blog. We'll also examine the legal implications of driving negligence and why taking your responsibility as a driver seriously is important. So, whether you're planning a summer road trip or simply looking to stay safe on your daily commute, read on to learn how you can protect yourself and others on the road this season.

To stay safe and protect those around you, here are some tips that you could use:

1. Watch out for distracted drivers

While behind the wheel, you're likely to expect every driver to watch out for you. But that's rarely the case during summer as the roads are filled with families on vacation or students heading to the beach.

So watch out for drivers who are not watching out for you. If you're going to merge on a highway or perhaps change a lane, always take a quick look at your blind spots, including your rear mirror, before hitting the accelerator.

2. Watch out for hotness

Long summer days can be the perfect time to run that errand as there is barely a cloud in the sky. But getting stuck in traffic is no fun, and it's worst if the air conditioning is faulty. So it's always a good idea to prepare before embarking on any journey.

Start by ensuring that your AC is working correctly, including your coolants. Then, with a map, plan your routes before setting off so you don't get stuck in traffic.

3. Beware of sun glare

Summer means being faced with a mean bright sun that could obstruct your line of vision while driving. The best way to deal with sun glare is to keep your windscreen clean, use your sun visor, and wear sunglasses for better vision.

Don't hesitate to pull over and rest if the sun is shining too brightly on your eyes. However, ensure you do that safely by turning on your signals so the car behind will know you want to stop.

4. Check your car

Basic checks before you get behind the wheel can save you a lot of headaches and pain. For example, imagine getting stranded because you failed to check your engine oil, coolant, or tires. To avoid this from happening, always check your oil levels before hitting the road.

Also, always check your tires for tread and pressure, and do not forget to check your fuel gauge.

5. Pay attention to the weather forecast

Typically, your summer weather patterns could include thunderstorms, downpours that could result in flash flooding, tornados, and more. Also, these can change with little or no warning, so check in periodically to ensure nothing has changed before driving.

However, when the inevitable strikes, despite being an incredible driver, the best you can do is get in touch with a personal injury attorney. So call or fill out our contact form to book an appointment.