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It has been recognized that Event Data Recorder (EDR) technology incorporated into the Electronic Control Modules (ECMs) of on-highway heavy truck engines can be a benefit to motor vehicle collision investigation and reconstruction [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]. Such beneficial features include the snapshots recorded by many Caterpillar engines. These snapshots, which are triggered by engine faults, operator input, or by what is called a “Quick Stop,” record engine operation and parameters surrounding the event. Past research has reported that while snapshot data are accurate, the documented event time may be off by 24 hours in some ECMs, notwithstanding the module's clock settings being correct [7]. Furthermore, other research has suggested that some modules may report the time interval between data points at approximately two times the actual duration [6].

Modern heavy vehicles may be equipped with an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) designed to increase highway safety. Depending on the vehicle or manufacturer, these systems may detect objects in a driver’s blind spot, provide an alert when the ADAS determines that the vehicle is leaving its lane of travel without the use of a turn signal, or notify the driver when certain road signs are detected. ADASs also include adaptive cruise control, which adjusts the vehicle’s set cruise speed to maintain a safe following distance when a slower vehicle is detected ahead of the truck. In addition, the ADAS may have a Collision Mitigation System (CMS) component that is designed to help drivers respond to roadway situations and reduce the severity of crashes. CMSs typically use radar or a combination of radar and optical technologies to detect objects such as vehicles or pedestrians in the vehicle’s path.

Event Data Recorder (EDR) technology has been incorporated into the Electronic Control Modules (ECMs) of many on-highway heavy trucks. One benefit of this technology is its applicability to vehicle collision investigation and reconstruction ( Goebelbecker & Ferrone, 2000 ; van Nooten & Hrycay, 2005 ). However, collisions that cause extensive damage to the truck may cause a loss of electrical power to the ECM, which might interrupt the data storage process. This research is an attempt to determine the effects of power loss on heavy vehicle ECMs 1 , and the associated effects on data collected by the EDR function. Controlled testing was conducted with Detroit Diesel, Mercedes, Mack, Cummins, and Caterpillar engines, and power failures were created by artificially interrupting power between the vehicle's battery and ECM at predetermined intervals. EDR data from the test vehicles were extracted after each test, and the presence or absence of new data was examined.