Data Recording Black Boxes Likely in All Cars by 2015: Senate Passes Bill
Black boxes in cars? We’ve reported on it before, but a bill requiring such devices has recently passed the U.S. Senate and is expected to fare the same in the House.
If it goes all the way, cars built after 2015 will all have tattlers to give specific information on a car’s activity. If implemented, the devices are meant to be used by emergency responders during an accident, but the applications are far from limited to those incidents.
Some are worried that installing such devices offer unprecedented invasions of privacy, bordering on big brother level surveillance of everyday citizens. Going to the wrong place, or driving the wrong way could flag you for suspicious activity (in theory).
Then again, the boxes could solve certain social issues like police profiling. An officer pulling someone over without just cause would have a much harder time explaining the decision in court if a black box could prove the individual wasn’t speeding or behaving erratically.
If Bill 1813 passes, we could all start seeing a shift to a more monitored society, that is unless you buy a used car.
Luke is an energetic automotive journalist who spends his time covering industry news and crawling the internet for the latest breaking story. When he isn't in the office, Luke can be found obsessively browsing used car listings, drinking scotch at his favorite bar and dreaming of what to drive next, though the list grows a lot faster than his bank account. He's always on <A title="@lukevandezande on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/lukevandezande">Twitter</A> looking for a good car conversation. Find Luke on <A title="@lukevandezande on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/lukevandezande">Twitter</A> and <A title="Luke on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/112531385961538774338?rel=author">Google+</A>.
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Hacks for such devices will be available long before they are required to be installed
My 1986 and 1991 Toyotas, and my 2001 SVT Cobra will last the rest of my life. Or until the roads crumble to dirt which is coming very soon. Only a fool would buy any car built after 2001 they are JUNK! 32 years as an ASE advanved level master technician convinced me these new snap together plastic crapmobiles are a huge ripoff.