Learn how the black box works and why it is crucial for aviation safety. Discover the technology behind this essential tool in airplanes.Technological developments in the automotive industry have brought with them ever safer and more efficient vehicles. However, this same technology also implies a greater level of monitoring of our driving habits. A clear example of this dilemma is the introduction of the mandatory black box in new cars in the EU from 2024.
This device, designed to record data in the event of an accident, promises to revolutionise road safety and help save lives . But if it were to be fully implemented, it would be called a “pink box”. As soon as it came into force, it has created quite a bit of concern about privacy and driver control . Are we willing to sacrifice some of our freedom behind the wheel for the sake of greater safety?
In this article we will explore in great detail what the black box of cars is and what it is not . How it works, what information it records and what its implications are for both road safety and our privacy.
What is the black box of cars?
If you buy a new car from 2024 onwards, you should know that there is a “snitch” under the driver’s seat. The black box, whose technical name is Event Data Recorder (EDR) , is a new advanced safety device that is mandatory in new cars sold in the European Union.
It is called a “black box” because its function is exactly the same as the similar device used in aviation and other vehicles. Despite what its name suggests, this device is not black, but bright orange to make it easier to locate in the event of a serious accident.
The size of the device is little bigger than that of a modern mobile phone, which means it can be installed discreetly in the car without complicating the life of automotive engineers.
As for its usefulness, the authorities assure that this black box will serve as a “witness” in case of an accident with the vehicle. The system is already part of the mandatory ADAS measures in new cars. According to the European Union, it will serve to reduce fatal accidents and serious injuries on the road.
How does the black box work?
The Event Data Recorder (EDR) operates continuously, constantly recording and erasing data. However, in the event of a serious accident, such as airbag deployment, the device retains information from the 30 seconds prior to and 5 seconds after the incident .
It is important to note that the black box only records data when the vehicle is in operation . In addition, this device works in conjunction with other safety systems that are also mandatory under this standard, and are as follows:
- Breathalyzer interlock device : prevents the car from starting if it detects a level of alcohol in the driver’s breath above the legal limit.
- Intelligent speed control assistant : helps the driver to maintain the appropriate speed, alerting them or even acting if the set limit is exceeded, either with acoustic alerts or by intervening in driving.
- Fatigue and drowsiness detector : analyzes driver behavior to identify signs of fatigue, recommending breaks when necessary.
- Lane Departure Warning : Warns the driver if the vehicle deviates from its lane without activating the turn signals, preventing accidents due to distraction.
What information does the black box record?
The black box captures up to 15 types of data related to driving and vehicle status. The most relevant are:
- Vehicle speed : the box records the exact speed at the time of the incident, which is crucial to determining whether the limits were being respected.
- Brake action : indicates when and with what intensity the brakes were applied, helping to reconstruct the sequence of the accident.
- Impact intensity : measures the force of the collision, providing data on the severity of the accident.
- Engine revolutions : information on the condition of the engine and the power applied at the time of the incident.
- Steering : Records of steering wheel turns are also kept, helping to understand the maneuvers performed by the driver.
- Throttle Position – Indicates whether you were accelerating, maintaining speed, or decelerating prior to impact.
- Operation of safety systems : used to verify whether the seat belts were fastened or whether the airbag worked properly.
- Weather conditions : Provides information about the environment, such as rain or fog, that may have influenced the accident.
- Date and time of the incident : useful for correlating with other external factors.
Since when is the black box mandatory?
The black box and many of the ADAS systems that work together are present in many vehicles sold before 2024. However, as of July 7, 2024 , the installation of the black box is mandatory for all newly registered vehicles in the European Union, including Spain.
In which vehicles is a black box mandatory?
The regulations affect the following vehicles:
- Class M1 passenger cars (up to 8 seats plus the driver’s seat) : includes most private and family cars.
- N1 type commercial vehicles (trucks and vans weighing less than 3,500 kg) : i.e. a large proportion of vehicles used for delivery and small businesses.
Where is the black box located?
The black box is installed under the driver’s seat , firmly fixed to the vehicle’s chassis. This strategic location protects the device in the event of an accident, increasing the chances that the data will be preserved intact.
The device is connected directly to the car’s ECU to ensure accurate data recording. This connection allows the black box to receive real-time information from all vehicle systems.
How is data accessed?
To access and interpret the information stored in the black box, it is necessary to use the vehicle’s OBD port or a specific port on the device itself, exactly the same as when diagnosing the car.
Access is, in theory, restricted . Only the competent authorities can access this data to reconstruct an accident.
Legal implications and controversies
The black box and all its complementary ADAS make one thing clear: the DGT slogan “We can’t drive for you” is outdated. In theory, the authorities claim that the black box is not designed to incriminate drivers themselves . However, we’re not going to judge you if you go off the rails and question it.
In theory, the black box collects anonymous information . It does not include any personal data and the information it stores about the vehicle’s chassis number (VIN) is not complete. This makes it more difficult to recognise the driver using this data.