Unlocking Forensics Data for Vehicles Involved in Motor Vehicle Crashes

Electronic crash data collection represents a critical advancement in the field of traffic safety and accident analysis. By capturing vehicle and environmental data in the moments leading up to a collision, this technology provides invaluable insight into crash causation, driver behavior, and vehicle performance. This paper explores the framework and significance of pre-crash data acquisition through integrated electronic vehicle systems and connected vehicle technologies. In 2012, NHTSA proposed to convert 49 CFR 563 ‘‘if equipped” requirements for EDRs (Electronic Data Recorders) into a new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) mandating the installation of EDRs in most light vehicles. These systems collect variables such as speed, brake application, steering input, and throttle position, which are essential for reconstructing crash scenarios and enhancing vehicle design, regulatory standards, and roadway infrastructure. This paper emphasizes the role of real-time data in improving post-crash investigation accuracy, informing predictive crash modeling, and guiding proactive interventions in traffic safety. Additionally, the integration of such data with centralized traffic databases could assist in smarter transportation systems and more efficient emergency responses.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Completed
• Funding: $108000
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3552348301

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  University of Massachusetts, Amherst

  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  130 Natural Resources Road
  Amherst, MA  United States  01003
• Performing Organizations:

  University of Connecticut, Storrs

  Connecticut Transportation Institute
  270 Middle Turnpike, Unit 5202
  Storrs, CT  United States  06269-5202
• Principal Investigators:

  Grasso, Charles

• Start Date: 20240101
• Expected Completion Date: 20250601
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program
• Subprogram: University Transportation Centers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Connected vehicles; Crash analysis; Crash data; Crash investigation; Data analysis; Data logging
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01904460
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: New England University Transportation Center
• Contract Numbers: 69A3552348301
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Jan 12 2024 11:07AM