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The accuracy of the Restraint Control Module (RCM) Event Data Recorder (EDR) was tested on a 2010 Ford Flex during both straight line steady state and maximum ABS braking. Six runs were made starting from 48 kph (30 mph), six runs starting from 80 kph (50 mph), and six runs starting from 113 kph (70 mph). Nondeployment events were artificially induced after a period of steady state driving followed by maximum braking for the last 2.5 seconds prior to creating the event, intended to simulate braking just prior to a crash. Following each run data was collected from the RCM EDR using the Bosch Crash Data Retrieval system. A Racelogic VBOX SL3 20 Hz differential GPS speed data recorder also served as a data acquisition system for vehicle CAN bus speed, accelerator position, RPM, and brake tape switch data. Graphs of RCM speed/brake/accel pedal data versus VBOX speed and other data over time are presented.

First responders and traffic crash investigators collect and secure evidence necessary to determine the cause of a crash. As vehicles with advanced autonomous features become more common on the road, inevitably they will be involved in such incidents. Thus, traditional data collection requirements may need to be augmented to accommodate autonomous technology and the connectivity associated with autonomous and semi-autonomous driving features. The objective of this paper is to understand the data from a fielded autonomous system and to motivate the development of requirements for autonomous vehicle data collection. The issue of data ownership and access will be discussed. Additional complicating factors, such as cybersecurity concerns combined with a first responder’s legal authority, may pose challenges for traditional data collection.

Independent verification of the accuracy of data from Event Data Recorders (EDRs) is useful when using the information to help reconstruct a crash. To this end, the accuracy of the EDR function of the Airbag Control Module (ACM) was tested on 2010 and 2011 Toyota Camry sedans during straight line operation. During steady state operation, and maximum ABS-braking runs starting from approximately 80 km/h (50 mph), and 113 km/h (70 mph), non-deployment events were artificially induced to store event data. Following each run, the EDR was imaged using the Bosch Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) system. The CDR reported speed values were compared to Racelogic VBox differential GPS speed records. Data recorders were also used to monitor the vehicle Controller Area Network (CAN) bus traffic, including the indicated speed, brake pressure, engine RPM, and accelerator pedal position. The speed and RPM reporting algorithms stated in CDR Data Limitations were confirmed.