black boxes and evidence preservation

KODSI FORENSIC ENGINEERING When in doubt, go forensic!

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Black Boxes & Evidence Preservation


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What is it? The “Black Box”

•  Technically, the black box is referred to as an Event Data Recorder (EDR)

•  Typically it is the vehicle’s Airbag Control Module: –  It senses accelerations –  It decides whether or not to deploy

airbags •  Its secondary function is data recording

–  And the recorded data can be “imaged”!

•  Current EDR technology is primarily reactive not proactive

•  The stored data provides experts with a powerful tool to aid in collision reconstruction


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What does it record? The “Black Box”

Deployment Events

• Recorded when an airbag was commanded to deploy during a collision

• Deployment Events are locked and cannot be overwritten

•  If airbags have already deployed and the vehicle is involved in subsequent and related severe collision, some modules may record a Deployment Level Event

Non-Deployment Events

• Recorded when the vehicle experiences higher than normal accelerations sufficient enough to “wake up” the system, but not high enough to warrant an air bag deployment

• Non-Deployment Events are not locked and may be overwritten

• Some modules may erase an event after 250 ignition cycles


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Commonly recorded parameters The “Black Box”

Note: The data recorded depends on the vehicle make, model, and year; whether or not data was stored depends on the severity of the event.


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History and evolution The “Black Box”

The capabilities of the EDR have increased significantly since their introduction, and are expected to continue to do so.

Longitudinal Delta V

Deployment & non-deployment events

Ignition cycles

Driver seat belt

Longitudinal & Lateral Delta V

Passenger seat belt*

Multiple events Event classification

Pre-crash data Passenger seat belt

Steering Position

Self-driving telemetry?

GPS position? Vehicle-to-

infrastructure communication?

Inter-vehicle communication?


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The data stored within a black box may be lost (i.e. spoliation) due to: •  Vehicle Salvage

•  EDR Replacement

•  Improper Handling/Imaging

•  Moisture/Fire Damage

•  Tampering

Preserve evidence early to avoid having data overwritten or lost!

The data recorded by black boxes could be inaccurate in certain collision scenarios: •  Vehicle yaw, pitch or roll

(pre-impact)

•  Wheel slip or wheel lock

•  Large changes in drivetrain (especially tire diameter)

Preserving Black Box Evidence Why it’s critical to have a qualified professional preserve evidence early:

Black box modules should be handled and interpreted by trained individuals who are aware of how these modules record and store information to ensure information

is not overwritten or misinterpreted


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Did you know that we offer seminars at our office or yours?

To schedule a more in-depth presentation for

you and your team about black boxes and evidence preservation, or any of the current

topics on the right, contact us directly at:

416-977-0009 1-800-263-6351

[email protected]

black boxes and evidence preservation

Automotive