Accessing and Interpreting Heavy Vehicle Event Data Recorders
I.D. # C1022 Duration 3.5 Days

Recent advances in commercial vehicle equipment have increased the potential for incident-related data to be recorded surrounding a collision event. What some have called a "black box" is more properly referred to as a Heavy Vehicle Event Data Recorder (HVEDR) as defined by the SAE J2728 HVEDR Recommended Practice. The term HVEDR is used to describe any type of electronic function that has the capability of storing data surrounding a defined event within an electronic control module found on a heavy truck or bus and that communicates on the SAE J1939 or J1587/J1708 data communications protocol. This course highlights the various vehicle systems and triggering events that may provide data useful in a collision investigation. Guided by recognized industry experts, techniques for preservation and interpretation of HVEDR data will be explored. This highly interactive workshop includes in-class instruction, demonstrations and practical hands-on experiences for acquiring and analyzing data from commercial vehicles.

This course has been approved by the Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction (ACTAR) for 24 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Upon completion of this seminar, accredited reconstructionists should contact ACTAR, 800-809-3818, to request CEUs. As an ACTAR approved course, the fee for CEUs is reduced to $5.00.

Please note, attendees are encouraged (although not required) to bring their laptops to this seminar.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this workshop, you will be able to:
  • Identify the potential sources of HVEDR data available on commercial vehicles
  • Utilize various methodologies for accessing and imaging data from HVEDRs while preserving the data in its original electronic format within the control module
  • Compile documentation of the vehicle and the imaged HVEDR data to properly establish foundational facts that tie the data to the vehicle and to ensure the reliability of incident specific data
  • Properly interpret data from HVEDRs and understand the limitations of this data
  • Analyze HVEDR data in the context of collision reconstruction
Who Should Attend
This course is a must for anyone involved in the investigation and analysis of commercial vehicle crashes who needs to understand the types of event data that are available on commercial vehicles, how it is generated, how it is accessed from the vehicle, and how to apply it in a collision reconstruction. In addition, this course can be valuable to the motor carrier safety manager, independent adjusters, claims managers or attorneys handling commercial vehicle collisions.
Prerequisites

An undergraduate engineering degree or a strong technical background is highly recommended. A basic knowledge of college physics and calculus, as well as a familiarity with commercial motor vehicles is expected.

***Please be advised that this course involves one or more of the following: driving and/or riding in a vehicle; participating in a vehicle demonstration; and/or taking part in an offsite tour using outside transportation. You will be required to sign a waiver on-site and produce a valid driver¿s license from your state/country of residence.***
Seminar Content
DAY ONE
  • Primer on Multiplexed Vehicle Electronics Systems and Vehicle Data Networks
    • Network architecture -- SAE J1587/J1708; SAE J1939
    • Industry standards for EDR devices -- SAE J2728; TMC RP1210; Other industry standards; Potential government regulations
  • HVEDR Devices and Data Currently Available on Heavy Vehicles
    • Engine control systems --Detroit Diesel; Mercedes-Benz; Cummins; Caterpillar; Mack; Volvo; International; PACCAR
DAY TWO
  • HVEDR Devices and Data Currently Available on Heavy Vehicles (continued)
    • Engine control systems
    • Antilock brake and stability control systems -- Bendix/Knorr-Bremse; Meritor WABCO
  • Inspecting the Vehicle
    • Chassis & powertrain identification
    • Chassis & powertrain health
    • Vehicle configuration
    • Collision damage
  • Accessing and Imaging Data
    • Through in-cab diagnostic port
    • Direct to module (benchtop)
    • Truck-in-box simulators
DAY THREE
  • Validation Studies and the Accuracy/Reliability of HVEDR Data
  • Interpreting and Applying HVEDR Data
    • Determining whether data imaged from a HVEDR is related to an incident of interest
    • Determining where impact occurred in dataset
    • Comparing vehicle speed to engine speed
    • Determining gear selection
    • Determining travel distance
    • Determining acceleration/deceleration
    • Determining driver inputs
    • Rollover signatures
    • Rear impacts
DAY FOUR (ends at 12:30 pm; instructors will remain until 3:00 for those individuals who would like to stay and participate in additional hands-on practice)
  • The Future of HVEDR
  • Hands-on Workshop
Instructor(s): Timothy Cheek and John C. Steiner
Mr. Cheek is a Principal Engineer with DELTA [v] Forensic Engineering, Inc. Since 1993, Mr. Cheek has been active in the fields of forensic engineering and accident reconstruction. He has considerable experience in both the design and development of commercial trucks as well as with the investigation of accidents involving commercial vehicles. Mr. Cheek is a member of the SAE J2728 Heavy Vehicle Event Data Recorder (HVEDR) subcommittee of the Truck & Bus Council and an organizer of the SAE Congress technical sessions on Event Data Recorder technology and has authored publications on the subject of HVEDRs. He received his Masters of Science in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Florida and is a Registered Professional Engineer in multiple states.

Mr. Steiner is a Senior Automotive Engineer with KEVA Engineering, LLC. Since 1999, Mr. Steiner has been engaged full time in the analysis and reconstruction of passenger and commercial vehicle crashes. His research interests have led to his involvement in the forefront of Event Data Recorders (EDR) and accident reconstruction technologies and methodologies. Mr. Steiner is an active, participating member of SAE International, the International Standards Organization (ISO), and the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine (AAAM). He is Co-Chairman of the SAE J2728 Heavy Vehicle Event Data Recorder Truck & Bus Sub-Committee, which is an active Sub-Committee working to publish a Recommended Practice outlining the technical functions of an HVEDR. Mr. Steiner received his Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering from California State University, Long Beach.
Testimonial
"Without exception, this is the most advanced HVEDR course available today and is well worth the time and money."
David Wesolowski
Forensic Technician
Quest Engineering & Failure Analysis, Inc

"Tim Cheek and John Steiner have put together a great class that is a must for anyone working with Heavy Vehicle Event Data Recorders."
Dave Plant
Mechanical Engineer
D P Plant & Associates

¿The most thorough and detailed HVEDR course anywhere. Outstanding!¿
Bryce Anderson, Ph.D.
Researcher

¿Excellent course for anyone dealing with data extraction and support of Heavy Vehicle EDR's!¿
Dan Barshinger
Engineer
Quest Engineering and Failure Analysis
Fees: $2095 SAE Members*: $1935 - $2045
* The appropriate SAE Member discount will be applied through the Registration process.  Discounts vary according to level of membership: Elite Member 20%; Premium Member 15%; Classic Member 10%
CEU 2.4