Practical Aspects of Crash Data Retrieval Using the Vetronix System

This article describes how valuable accident data can be retrieved from airbag control modules (ACMs), and discusses the related costs and benefits. Many ACMs write data to an electronic file in the event of a deployment or near-deployment of the frontal airbags. Retrieval of this data can be accomplished using dedicated hardware and software. This process is known as crash data retrieval (CDR). CDR is performed as one component of the reconstruction of a motor vehicle incident, but the retrieved data can only be understood and interpreted properly when viewed in conjunction with the physical evidence, setting and environment used to reconstruct the incident. When such an approach is used, CDR both complements and expands the capabilities of conventional reconstruction techniques. This article addresses most of the practical aspects of conducting CDR, including the initial and continuing costs of acquiring the necessary equipment and of developing and maintaining technical expertise. The Vetronix Corporation manufactures the only publicly-available equipment for retrieval of crash data from many ACMs. The initial costs involved in CDR include the expense of the Vetronix CDR kit, ancillary tools and equipment, formal training and overhead/administrative costs. The total upfront costs during the first year can vary between $3000 and $10000. Thereafter, the annual cost to maintain equipment and personnel capabilities can be expected to vary between $1000 and $4000. However, the technology can more than pay for itself in terms of actual monetary benefits and in terms of the added service and customer relations.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/19348681
• Authors:
  • Hall, George J
• Publication Date: 2006-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 69-81
• Serial:
  • Collision. The International Compendium for Crash Research
  • Volume: 1
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: Collision Publishing LLC
  • ISSN: 1934-8681
  • Serial URL: http://www.collisionmagazine.com/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air bags; Benefits; Computers; Costs; Crash data; Crash reconstruction; Equipment; Software; Tools; Training
• Identifier Terms: Vetronix Crash Data Retrieval (Software)
• Uncontrolled Terms: Crash data retrieval
• Subject Areas: Education and Training; Finance; Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I10: Economics and Administration; I80: Accident Studies; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01044673
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 30 2007 6:58AM