In case you didn't know, around 90% of new vehicles sold in the U.S. have data recorders that help shed light on the cause of accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) now wants these ''black boxes'' to be mandatory in all new passenger cars and light trucks, a decision that would cost automakers an estimated $24.4 million.
Every vehicle from General Motors, Ford, Toyota and Mazda already incorporates a recorder, collecting data such as speed, braking, seat belt usage, and crash angle.
One of the hurdles facing the NHTSA is driver privacy.
''Automakers do not access [recorded] data without consumer permission, and any government requirements to install [recorders] on all vehicles must include steps to protect consumer privacy," said Gloria Bergquist, a spokeswoman for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.
Source: USA Today
Every vehicle from General Motors, Ford, Toyota and Mazda already incorporates a recorder, collecting data such as speed, braking, seat belt usage, and crash angle.
One of the hurdles facing the NHTSA is driver privacy.
''Automakers do not access [recorded] data without consumer permission, and any government requirements to install [recorders] on all vehicles must include steps to protect consumer privacy," said Gloria Bergquist, a spokeswoman for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.
Source: USA Today
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