Airbag systems have been available in passenger cars in the U.S. since the early to mid-1970’s, when they were first offered as an option in several General Motors vehicles. Since then, they have saved many lives and have significantly reduced occupant injuries.

Many people do not realize that the module which controls the deployment of the vehicle’s airbags is also capable of storing data related to a crash. The amount of crash data recorded is vehicle specific. Most systems are capable of storing pre-crash data for several seconds prior to the onset of a crash. The recorded data usually includes vehicle speed, brake use, anti-lock braking system status, throttle application and seat belt use. Some systems also provide information concerning the use of cruise control and steering wheel input.

Event data can be a valuable tool to engineers in the investigation of vehicle accidents when it is properly analyzed and understood. Our engineers have been trained and certified in the proper data imaging methods and have the experience necessary to utilize this information to supplement a crash reconstruction.

P.O. Box 5184, Knoxville TN 37928   -   Phone: 865-281-0068 - Email