A law coming this fall will require automakers to install “black boxes” in all passenger vehicles, starting with 2013 models.
Electronic data recorders more sophisticated than the ones now in about 60% of new cars will capture information about vehicular speed, direction, engine performance, brakes and electronic systems. They’ll also tell insurance investigators and law enforcement officers a lot about vehicles involved in accidents -- everything from whether drivers were wearing safety belts to exactly when air bags deployed, for example.
Besides requiring the recorders in all new cars, the government will also implement standards for what’s recorded and how -- a big change from today’s recorders, which are mainly used by manufacturers and repair shops for help in diagnosing problems when a car is in for service.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Uniform formats for data collected by black boxes will permit apples-to-apples comparisons of vehicle and driver performance prior to accidents, eliminating much of the educated guesswork.
The impetus for the law: Toyota’s recall of millions of vehicles this past winter after a slew of incidents of sudden vehicle acceleration that still are largely unexplained. As a result of vehicle acceleration problems, the law also will require automakers to install braking systems that automatically override the accelerator in the case of a runaway vehicle. Moreover, it will raise the maximum fine for automakers found to be in violation of safety regulations to at least $200 million, from $16.4 million now.
Subpoenas will be required for law enforcement officials to gain access to black box information, since the data by law are the vehicle owner’s property. Courts are likely to acquiesce, though. They’ve shown no reluctance thus far to approve subpoenas for black boxes.
-
Dow, S&P 500 Slip on December Rate Cut Worries, Nvidia Boosts Nasdaq: Stock Market TodayNvidia became the first company ever to boast a $5 trillion market cap, but it wasn't enough to lift the Dow and the S&P 500.
-
Where You Choose to Stash $100k Now Comes with a Big Opportunity CostThe Fed recently cut rates. Here's where to maximize your savings while rates remain higher.
-
Banks Are Sounding the Alarm About StablecoinsThe Kiplinger Letter The banking industry says stablecoins could have a negative impact on lending.
-
Get the Best Car Deal in Retirement: Here's the TrickPlanning on shopping for a new car this Labor Day weekend? Here’s how to haggle for a better price, even though you're retired.
-
Big Changes Are Ahead for Higher EdThe Kiplinger Letter A major reform of higher ed is underway. Colleges are bracing for abrupt change, financial headwinds and uncertainty.
-
What New Tariffs Mean for Car ShoppersThe Kiplinger Letter Car deals are growing scarcer. Meanwhile, tax credits for EVs are on the way out, but tax breaks for car loans are coming.
-
AI’s Rapid Rise Sparks New Cyber ThreatsThe Kiplinger Letter Cybersecurity professionals are racing to ward off AI threats while also using AI tools to shore up defenses.
-
Blue Collar Workers Add AI to Their ToolboxesThe Kiplinger Letter AI can’t fix a leak or install lighting, but more and more tradespeople are adopting artificial intelligence for back-office work and other tasks.
-
AI Goes To SchoolThe Kiplinger Letter Artificial intelligence is rapidly heading to K-12 classrooms nationwide. Expect tech companies to cash in on the fast-emerging trend.
-
What To Know if You’re in the Market for a New Car This YearThe Kiplinger Letter Buying a new car will get a little easier, but don’t expect many deals.
