Has been asked a hundred times, at least, and the answer is yes; however, you will no longer have air bags, since the SDM is used to deploy the air bags in the vehicle. (Also pre-tensioners on seat belts in some other vehicles that have pre-tensioner belts.)

 

Thanks Doug for the answeer.....so there are no By pass of any sort that will be able to disconnect just the Black box,and anything else...?

 

Sounds like an example of too much car for too young drivers!

 

I work for the Police Dept. in that county. First, Muttontown is one of the top 30 richest towns in america, so the 16 yr old with a new vette is probably a learner car on his way to a Porshe or other $$$$ car. Second, Nassau county is one county you DONT want to get caught racing in, One of the Det. in the homicide squad is the pinnacle of accident recreations, and investigations. He has set the standard for the rest of the country to follow. The accidents ive seen where you would think are just accidents, he has reconstructed and has won variuos indictments on these. If you are ever in this county, be careful. By the way these kids deserve what ever happens to them

 

Nope, moral is how far is the government/law enforcement allowed to go...does it include self-incrimination?

 

Was anyone hurt?

 

The only thing I saw wrong about this story is that the Cops obtained the BLACK BOX prior to getting a warrant.
They also created a loophole since they probably didnt download anything before the warrant was issued.
These two spoiled schmucks killed someone.

The sad thing is ....I think this post was started cause of the Black Box being used against a driver as opposed to the fact of the crime.

 

No, but when you drive a car on a PUBLIC highway, you implictly agree to abide by the rules. You can drive as fast as you like...on YOUR property. You don't even need a driver's license for that.

 

Interesting article. The black box can also verify the fact you were driving good if needed.

 

Idiots. Prosecute 'em to the fullest...

 

This has already been going on for years... no way to stop it unless you want to remove the box some way...

VR

 

Problem is, the so-called Black box, is the Sensing and Diagnostic Module, and is the "brain" (computer) that controls your air bags. The SDM contains sensing devices that converts vehicle velocity changes to electrical signals. The SDM processes the generated electrical signals and compares them to values stored in memory. When the generated signals exceed the stored values, the SDM performs additional signal processing and compares the generated signals to signals stored in memory. When 2 of the generated signals exceed the stored values, the SDM will cause current to flow through the inflator modules, deploying the air bags. At this time, crash data is stored.
Basically all this stuff works off a single circuit board.
This information cannot be downloaded via Tech 2, it takes special software to download, and special software to decode the hex files obtained.
Some Law Enforcement agencies and lawyers have purchased the software, and it is not cheap. Police can ship the SDM to a representative of GM to obtain the information; however, a court order is required. GM originally designed the system to protect GM from frivolous lawsuits; whereas, people swore (for example) that they stepped on the brakes and the brakes failed. When they actually stepped on the accelerator pedal. Information is also used by engineering.
In addition, most modules top off at around 99-110 mph; however, with the inputs from the other devices a good approximation can be obtained as to the speed at time of collision. For example, if the SDM shows the speed at 99 mph, but the throttle is wide open, engine rpms are increasing over the five second period, and the brake input shows no brake apply, then it can be assumed the person was exceeding any known speed limit in the USA.
I believe as time goes on, this information will be used as much to defend yourself as to find you guilty. I cannot see it being removed, and in fact, more manufacturers are starting to add these types of data recorders to their vehicles.
At this time, I cannot see the police using it to determine if you were doing five or ten over in an accident. Most of the cases I have read about, or heard about via different avenues, have been in regard to speeds in excess of 99+.

 

I highly doubt it would work, cause I know many people would have their units hacked.

 

.

 

Fifth Amendment (Self Incrimination) does not make this type of evidence inadmissable in court, because it is not testimonial. (Just like breath/blood/DNA samples).

Prediction: Watch how the evolution of GPS systems will result in the "tracking" of vehicles as admissible evidence in criminal cases.

 

While no driver's license is required to drive on private property, a motorist still can be convicted of DUI on that private property. In California, a motorist cannot be convicted of reckless driving on private property, however.

 

Very well put. It could have easily been the other way around. Having worked aircraft most of my career, the crash survivable flight data recorder is invaluable in determining cause. It's about time the auto makers joined in.

 

Not to mention. (with all due respect to your friend JTS)
Does anyone need a blackbox to tell that speed was a factor here. Let's not underestimate the ability of a good crime scene investigator.

 

Thanks for the detailed informations Doug.

 

I'm not nearly as worried about my "black box" being used if I'm ever at fault in an accident nearly as much as I am worried about two teenage boys having access to high powered sports cars. Those punks deserve whatever they have comming to them, and I would support their parents being charged with allowing a minor to have access to a deadly weapon.