On-Board Data Retrieval

When CED is retained in a vehicular investigation our clients rely on  our VCG engineers to determine the cause of the accident using state-of-the-art technology. In the late 1970s the automobile industry utilized electronic control modules to control and monitor numerous vehicle systems. These modules have had a secondary function to record data in an Event Data Recorder (EDR) that would permit engineers to refine the control functions of the modules. As control module technology has progressed, so has the secondary EDR function.  Today, through the advancement of technology and standards, CED engineers using Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) technology have the capability to download and view statistics and events prior to an accident on certain vehicle models.

These images can be vital as they can give the engineers data for such events as:

Pre-crash Events

• Occupant Presence
• Seat Position
• Seat Belt Use
• Brake Switch Status
• Percent of Throttle
• Engine RPMs
• Vehicle Speed

Crash Events

• Deployment
• Acceleration
• Roll Position

The CDR System is a extremely useful technological tool for our VCG engineers. The information from CDR images and the stored vehicle data have been accepted in cases in a least 17 states, in federal cases and at least three appellate cases. Since 2004, six states have passed bills addressing EDR's and their acceptability and 14 other states have pending legislation on EDR systems. With the CDR System data and a  complete crash reconstruction, CED has assisted litigation and insurance companies for determining the cause in vehicular accidents.