Ran across an interesting article in Sunday's paper. Apparently there are an estimated 25 million auto's in the U.S. that have "Event Data Recorders" that are basically scaled down black boxes like the airlines use. Though capabilities vary widely among carmakers most recorders store only limited information (so far) on speed, seat belt use, physical forces, brakes, and "other factors". What the devices record increasingly finds its way into courtrooms as evidence in criminal and civil cases.
The only car makers "mentioned" are GM and Ford. At this point they allow outsiders to access your info in the boxes by buying a $2500 "reader". (Primary customers are accident reconstructionist, law enforcement, and insurance companies).

What's really interesting to me is the fact that this has been done with no publicity or debate. The real issue is one of notice and problems arise from the fact that information is being collected about people's driving behavior without them knowing. Automakers and regulators are obviously ignoring basic privacy questions.

It's obvious why law enforcement would like to have access to your driving habits when the (legitimate?) need arises but big business certainly won't let it stop there. Insurance companies (read: claim denial) and car manufactures (read: warranty denial) will undoubtedly have unwarranted access to the data before its over.

So, my question is - does anybody know if the S has a "black box"?

 

The S probably has one. These event recorders are actually the brains of the airbag system and only record an event when the bag fires. Big brother only gets the data if the car is totaled or you allow access to the box. The car is yours. You don't have to allow access.