GM in favor of data recording devices in vehicles

GM is in favor of legislation from Rep. Gene Green, D-Texas, that would mandate event data recording devices in vehicles, and additional ‘reasonable’ legislation. Though not currently required by law, the devices are standard for certain automakers, including Toyota. Not all Toyota devices record pre- and post-crash data, but by the end of 2010 all ToMoCo vehicles will be equipped with devices that record both.

By 2005, 64% of vehicles came with the devices, including all FoMoCo cars. Chrysler started using the devices in 2005, but GM had been using a predecessor to today’s device in their light-duty trucks since 1995.

“There can be a discrepancy in what a driver claims happened and what (the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) concludes happened. This would mandate equipment that would remove any human emotion or bias to provide much more precise data,” Robert Ferguson, GM’s new VP for government affairs said.

– By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Detroit News