Robert Lindskog, an Advanced Mechanics of Materials professor, and an expert on file with ETC, addressed the July gathering of the Central Coast Claims Association with an interesting, informative and thorough presentation on vehicle "black boxes".

A side product of vehicle air-bags, these data modules consist of a series of electronic switches, calculating deployment of air-bags, and so much more.

Developers realized in the late 1980s, as the use of air-bags came into being that it was possible to download data following a deployment incident. In 1990, GM was the first to start making data available.

The standard data retrieved just begins with information like the time from impact to deployment. The box, which is not black at all, also measures vehicle speed, speed change, throttle position, and various other diagnoses.

In fact, these data modules are the basis for adding on such tracking devises as GPS systems. Mr. Lindskog's discussion took a bit of a scary turn toward further life under "big brother" as he got into talking about how these units can be used to find and/or monitor vehicles. A potential boon to law enforcement, to be sure. But, at what cost to privacy rights and other issues.

Current California law states propriety. A subpena or search warrant is required before an owner of a vehicle in question need grant download accessibility to their "black box".

Interestingly, Mr. Lindskog stated that, though the data is interesting, these devises apparently don't always tell you a lot, and can sometimes be difficult when it comes to getting the data out.

There are still many gray areas in this new technology. Possession of a module for physical evidence confirmation is required.