Is Toyota hiding black box data from crash investigators?

It sounds too good to be true: a device installed in cars, trucks, and SUVs that records data from before, during and after a crash so investigators can figure out exactly why the accident occurred.  Well, these devices – called ‘event data recorders’ (EDRs), or black boxes – are installed in most newer vehicles, however actually getting to the data they contain after a collision can be challenging.

Just imagine if this data were available for cases where Toyota vehicles have sped out of control.  Wouldn’t the black box info be useful here?  Interestingly, Toyota is one of the manufacturers that has been criticized over the years for making it difficult for crash investigators to get to data stored on the black boxes in their vehicles.

In the past Toyota has claimed that the data on the devices is experimental and unreliable for reporting crash data.  They only use EDRs to evaluate safety systems like airbags and antilock brakes, say their spokespeople.  However, look how quick Toyota was to use black box data to discount the speeding Prius incident in California earlier this month.  So, the data is only valid when it supports their claims?

It just doesn’t look good for Toyota, especially after all the recent recalls for unintended accleration.  There is a device installed on every one of their vehicles that records information before, during, and after a crash.  However, the device can only be read by one laptop in the entire United States (although, claims Toyota, more are coming).  Without this one special laptop and permission from Toyota – no data about a suspicious crash.

Sounds a little fishy, if you ask us.