MVEDR

MVEDR is an acronym for Motor Vehicle Event Data Recorder. It is also called EDR or Vehicle Black Box. GM and Ford are known to have released vehicles equipped with MVEDR since 2000.

In its efforts to establish the uniform scientific crash data needed to make vehicle and highway transportation safer and reduce fatalities, the IEEE launched IEEE 1616 in 2004. It was the first universal standard for motor vehicle event data recorders (MVEDR) much like those that monitor crashes on aircraft and trains.

The new standard specifies minimal performance characteristics for onboard tamper- and crash-proof memory devices for all types and classes of highway and roadway vehicles. This international protocol will help manufacturers develop what is commonly called "black boxes" for autos, trucks, buses, ambulances, fire trucks and other vehicles. It includes a data dictionary of 86 data elements and covers device survivability.

Some forensic studies are under way regarding rules and regulations and warn automakers and crash investigators of privacy concern and unintended use of retrieved EDR data.

"Starting from the late 90's to present light vehicle manufactures were equipping most of their vehicles with electronic data recorders (EDR), which are sometimes referred to as 'Black Boxes'. These devices are currently, not being used for the original intended purpose, which was for diagnosing vehicle related problems by mechanics. They are being used to download non-regulated data to assist so-called accident investigators. This action could be deemed 'Junk Science'", said Perry Zucker, a forensic expert/engineer involved in the EDR studies.

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