2. Features
A black box, also known as an accident data recorder, is a small device installed into your car that records details such as car speed, airbag deployment, seatbelt usage and steering angles. It shows exactly where throttle, brake and steering were when an accident happened as well as mechanical malfunctions within your car’s system. These black boxes have become standard feature on new vehicles since 2000 – and their data can be accessed by anyone with diagnostic port access including law enforcement agencies and insurance companies.
Some car owners are concerned that information gathered by their black box might be used against them, such as when police investigate an accident or insurance companies review a claim. Therefore, many opt to install one for privacy reasons.