The Use of Information from the On-Board Data Recorder
Commercial truck accident claims are typically complex, with significant issues related to how the crash occurred. When piecing together all the facts, investigators often turn to the vehicle’s “black box,” an on-board data recorder similar to those in commercial airplanes. What is a “black box”? How does it work? Are all trucks required to have a black box or “electronic logging device (ELD)”? What data does the ELD collect?
What Is a Black Box on a Commercial Truck?
The black box on a commercial truck is essentially a computerized component that creates a record of data related to the truck’s performance and movement. The black box may be alternately referred to as an “electronic logging device” (ELD), an “electronic recording device” (ERD), or an “automatic on-board recording device” (AOBRD). Though basically the same thing, a tool for measuring data in the truck, the ELD is the newer version, with enhanced features. Federal trucking regulations now mandate ELDs in all commercial trucks that are required to prepare and maintain hours-of-service logs.
How Does the Black Box Work on a Commercial Truck?
The black box is integrated into the truck’s operating system and stores data in digital format. To extract the data, a special type of software is required. For an outside party to obtain access to the information, the trucking company must give permission, or there must be a court order mandating the release of the data.
Are All Trucks Required to Have a Black Box On-Board?
Most commercial truck drivers and motor carriers, including commercial buses, are required to have an ELD integrated into the vehicle. The only exceptions include:
- Vehicles manufactured and put into service before the year 2000
- Commercial trucks used exclusively for towing other vehicles
- Commercial vehicles where the driver is not required to keep record of duty status (RODS) logs
- Commercial vehicles where the RODS log is used less than 9 days in any 30-day period
What Kind of Data Is Found in a Commercial Truck Black Box?
The electronic logging device can potentially store data about a wide range of issues, including:
- The speed of the vehicle before, after, or at the time of a crash
- The extent to which the driver applied the brakes before or during an accident
- Whether the driver attempted any evasive action, such as turning the steering wheel
- Whether the truck’s airbags deployed as a result of the accident
- The length of time the driver had been behind the wheel at the time of the accident
- The amount of time between the driver’s attempts to decelerate and the moment of impact
- Whether the driver was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash
- The performance of the engine (RPMs and throttle position) at the time of the crash
- Whether the vehicle’s brake switch was turned off at the time of the accident
Contact the Proven Truck Accident Attorneys at Bailey & Galyen
At the law offices of Bailey & Galyen, we have fought for the rights of personal injury victims for more than four decades, including people who have suffered any type of injury in a crash involving a big rig, 19-wheeler, tractor-trailer, semi, or other commercial truck. Over the past 40+ years, we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients. We have a thorough knowledge and understanding of all the facets of a commercial truck accident, and we can help you pursue full and fair compensation for all your losses. Contact us by e-mail or call our offices. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
