[extropy-chat] A Flight Data Recorder for Your Car

[BillK]

See: <http://wirelessnewsfactor.com/perl/story/22654.html> and
<http://news.zdnet.co.uk/communications/0,39020336,39117677,00.htm>

Quote:
Imagine you're in your car driving to the grocery store. You're
accelerating away from a stop sign when suddenly -- BANG! -- you're hit
from behind by a speeding car that never even slowed down. Badly shaken,
you stumble out. The police arrive on the scene just minutes after the
crash. Plus, they already seem know that you stopped, and the other guy
-- who's being arrested -- didn't.

And moments later, your cell phone starts ringing. It's your insurance
agent, who also has accident details and is calling to reassure you that
it looks like a quick decision. How do the police and your insurer know
what happened? Because a "black box" in each of the cars told them so,
the instant it happened.

This system is closer to reality than you may think. It's being built
today in Ireland and is expected to spread across Europe over the next
few years before taking root in the U.S. Insurance companies like the
idea because computer-generated data about the crash will help prevent
fraudulent claims and cut insurance costs. Emergency responders will be
aided, too, thanks to faster, more detailed information about the exact
location and scope of an accident.

By mandating that drivers use the boxes, Ireland seems to have snuffed
out privacy  concerns that have slowed the voluntary adaptation of the
technology elsewhere.


Hidden away at the end of the article, analyst Rob Bamforth of Bloor
Research is quoted:
"If black boxes become widespread through new government requirements,
it could make an impact on public safety, similar to the effect of speed
cameras," he predicted. "If people know there is a black box accurately
recording information for insurance purposes, it could have an effect on
how people drive," he said. "Over time, there could be broader indirect
benefits."

Say that again??!!
That man is a master of the cool understatement!
How would you drive if you had a cop sitting beside you and your
insurance rep in the backseat?


BillK