Journal Article
Accuracy of Speed Change Measured by Event Data Recorders during Oblique Offset Frontal Impacts
2020-04-14
2020-01-1327
Data downloaded from event data recorders (EDRs) integrated into the airbag systems of passenger vehicles can be key evidence for collision investigators. Often the EDR data includes information about the severity of the collision in terms of the longitudinal and lateral speed changes experienced by the vehicle. Previous studies have shown that for collisions with small lateral speed changes, the accuracy of the reported longitudinal speed change varies with manufacturer and magnitude. The goal of this study was to quantify the accuracy of EDR-reported speed changes in high-speed angled collisions with larger lateral speed change components. Data from 25 crash tests conducted for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) Oblique Offset Frontal Impact Research and Development Program were used in this study.