SOMEONE IS ALWAYS WATCHING YOUR DRIVING What Is an Event Data Recorder? An Event Data Recorder (EDR) is a device installed on a motor vehicle that records technical vehicle information and occupant information for seconds before, during, and after a crash. Specifically, the devices record information related to “events,” often meaning car crashes. The primary purpose of an EDR is to monitor and assess vehicle safety system performance. EDRs constantly record driving and car system information but only save it after some type of physical event, like a crash or hitting a pothole or curb. You might not even realize your car has one but most new vehicles have EDR devices installed. Some estimates indicate that about 64% of passenger vehicles after 2005 have some EDR capability. Starting in 2005, most car companies placed a statement in the vehicle owner’s manual source of reliable, empirical evidence. In a criminal context, EDR evidence has directly led to some drivers’ convictions, but it has also led to exonerations for others. EDR data cannot be accessed by anyone other than the owner or lessee of a car unless a court order authorizes retrieval, the owner consents to retrieval for any purpose, or to determine the appropriate emergency medical response to a car crash. The data can also be anonymously retrieved for traffic safety research. Since EDRs are electronically triggered by sensing problems or faults in a vehicle’s engine, airbag deployment, or sudden change in wheel speed or velocity, they can house information that is vital to understanding a car accident, what caused it, and who was at fault. Accident reconstructionists can use EDR data to provide a clearer picture of an accident. We’ve used EDR data to help us with numerous cases including some involving serious pedestrian injury. Even some motorcycles have EDRs that can help settle a case. If you’ve been involved in an accident, give us a call or text today. to indicate if the vehicle has an EDR. EDRs are integral parts of the airbag control system, so the EDR cannot safely be removed from cars that have them. Using EDR data in civil cases, such as personal injury cases for car accidents, is on the rise as the data is largely accepted as a
KEEP THE PHO DEADLY ACCIDENTS ARE ON THE RISE Deadly car accidents were on the rise nationwide last year when compared to the previous year. In the state of Massachusetts, there was a 20.4% increase in the number of deadly car accidents. In 2020, there were 343 traffic deaths, but in 2021 there were 413 fatal traffic accidents. So, what’s causing the increase in fatal accidents? Experts
report that the increase in traffic injuries and deaths is largely caused by an increase in dangerous driving habits, including speeding, distracted driving, drug- or alcohol-impaired driving, and not buckling up. Students who admitted to texting or emailing while driving were also more likely to report other risky behaviors such as not wearing a seat belt,
riding with a driver who drank alcohol, and driving after drinking alcohol, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) survey. Distracted drivers kill at least nine people each day in the U.S., according to the CDC.
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“My name is John C., I just recently had a car wreck case handled by Spada Law Group from Chelsea, MA. Right from the start, everyone associated with the law firm treated me with the utmost respect and courtesy. All my phone calls to Leonora and Joan were answered and returned promptly. They were professional and friendly, and very accessible. My particular case was handled faster than I expected. Being a retired law enforcement officer for over 33 years, I have met many attorneys and Spada Law Group was the best choice for me.” –John C.
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