Re: "Black Box" information retention?

Tegger wrote:
> Tegger <tegger@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in
> news:Xns99C45138E5194tegger@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
 
> 
>> jim beam <spamvortex@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in
>> news:ArGdnQpQasstnZbanZ2dnUVZ_tHinZ2d@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
 
>>
>>
>>> obd0 = zero
>>> obd1 = 30 secs
>>>
>>> i think obd2 varies depending on year and manufacturer, but the info
>>> is supposed to be pretty much comprehensive for anything the computer
>>> controls and covers an extensive period.
>>>
>>
>> The data recorder ("black box") is independent of the ODB system. It 
>> records stuff like seat belt usage, air bag deployment, car speed and 
>> engine RPM.
>>
>> Automakers are beginning to add "black boxes" to their cars as
>> protection against liability and fraudulent warranty claims.
>>
> 
> 
> Having typed the above, I remember now that I read once (not online)
that 
> the black box actually holds more like a minute to five minutes of
engine-
> running time.
> 
> The automakers are interested only in the events immediately prior to,
> and during, a collision or mechanical failure.
> 

not necessarily.  manufacturers are interested in driving habits and 5 
mins isn't sufficient for that.  law enforcement is /definitely/ 
interested in habit.  if data analysis says you're an habitual speeder, 
  late braker, and all-around madman, they want to throw the book at 
you.  if your habit is law abiding, but you got in a fender bender, they 
won't bother.  word is that insurance companies are interested in 
driving habit data too.  imagine that!