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NHTSA May Make Black Boxes Mandatory for Light Vehicles

As new cars come packed with more and more technology, it was only a matter of time before data-logging black boxes (or Event Data Recorders - EDRs) would become mandatory. Well, now the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) will be making that very announcement within the next few days, making black boxes mandatory in all new light vehicles.
EDR 1 photo
Photo: aacinvestigations.com
It is not clear when the new law will take effect, but since around 90% of all cars made in the US already have the device fitted, it won`t be that big a stretch, as most manufacturers already have them. Toyota, Ford, Mazda and General Motors currently fit black boxes to all their cars, so for these manufacturers, the new rule will not bother them too much.

However, according to Gloria Bergquist, spokeswoman for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the Government should reconsider the move, as it affects driver privacy. She said: "Event data recorders help our engineers understand how cars perform in the real world, but looking forward, we need to make sure we preserve privacy [. . .] Automakers do not access EDR data without consumer permission, and any government requirements to install EDRs on all vehicles must include steps to protect consumer privacy."

Story via autonews.com
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