Flight data recorders are black boxes that record crash information in airplanes, and now one federal agency wants to require them in new vehicles.
They're called event data recorders, and they've been around for more than a decade but the technology keeps improving. Ninety-two percent of vehicles made in 2010 already have this technology.
More and more local investigators are using the black boxes in fatal wrecks to help them prove their case and put criminals behind bars.
Lt. Wade Chaffin of the Georgia State patrol has reviewed a 2008 case where two University of West Georgia graduates were ejected and killed. Together with the roadway evidence, troopers pulled the information off the Chevy Impala's event data recorder.
"The module has brought a new witness to the table," said Chaffin.
The data showed the 23-year-old driver never hit the brakes before running off the road, killing the two back seat passengers. He's serving 30 years for vehicular homicide.
"You're wanting to get family's answers, and you want to try to make some sense out of a senseless situation, and a lot of times it's difficult, this just helps paint that picture," Chaffin said.
The crash data is tied in to the car's computers and in most cases, help control the airbags.
"If it's going to know when to fire the bags, it's having to calculate and gather vehicle information -- real time. And I'm talking quick real time," said Chaffin.
The technology is constantly improving, and providing more and more information. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration wants to require them in all new cars by September 2014. They believe it saves lives, painting a picture of why and how wrecks happen.
Chaffin says the technology confirms their field work, and makes investigating fatal wrecks even more detailed.
"It really validates a lot of the stuff we've already done. There's a difference between accuracy and precision and this kind of brings the preciseness to the entire investigation," Chaffin said.
Most cars made in the 2000's and newer have this technology. The box may always be on, but it's not recording your every move -- only significant impacts. It can record vehicle speed, if the brakes were used, state of the engine, and if the seatbelts were being used or not.
Officers must have the owner's consent or get a search warrant to pull the information off the recorder. Certain organizations, like the American Civil Liberties Union want even more safeguards in place so insurance companies can't access the information.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:09 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:09:40 GMT
You might have dreamed about getting the chance to decide which of your coworkers should stay on the job, and which ones need to go.
You might have dreamed about getting the chance to decide which of your coworkers should stay on the job, and which ones need to go. Does Someone Have to Go? is a new FOX reality show that lets employees take over for their bosses, and it premieres Thursday night!
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:34 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:34:51 GMT
Married to Medicine is the hottest new thing on Bravo, and the reality series is based right here in Atlanta!
Married to Medicine is the hottest new thing on Bravo, and the reality series is based right here in Atlanta! Mariah HuQ, who is both a star and producer of the show, joined Good Day live to tell us all about the first season, and give us a preview of the upcoming reunion show.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:27 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:27:50 GMT
Memorial Day is almost upon us, and you can almost hear the grills firing up already!
Memorial Day is almost upon us, and you can almost hear the grills firing up already! But before you get ready to host that big holiday weekend cookout, the grilling pros at The Cook's Warehouse has some advice for those who need it-- like Good Day's Paul Milliken.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:44 AM EDT2013-05-23 12:44:55 GMT
It's graduation season AND it's also #ThrowbackThursday, so what better time to go back to the archives? Today's victim: the one and only Buck Lanford.
It's graduation season AND it's also #ThrowbackThursday, so what better time to go back to the archives? Today's victim: the one and only Buck Lanford. He agreed to take us back to his senior year at South Gwinnett High School-- and somebody had a WHOLE LOT of hair!
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:32 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:32:32 GMT
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It's also a great time to thank veterans for their service to our country—veterans just like World War II American hero Lew Fern.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:31 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:31:33 GMT
You've probably been to a yard sale or two in your life, and you might have found some great deals. But would you know how to get the most out of your own yard sale?
You've probably been to a yard sale or two in your life, and you might have found some great deals. But would you know how to get the most out of your own yard sale? Good Day's Tacoma Perry talked to an expert who shared some great tips for how to make your yard sale a huge hit.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:27 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:27:37 GMT
Summer in Georgia means mosquitoes—and lots of them. Even if you're just stepping outdoors for a few minutes, you need to protect yourself. But how do you pick the right bug repellent?
Summer in Georgia means mosquitoes—and lots of them. Even if you're just stepping outdoors for a few minutes, you need to protect yourself. But how do you pick the right bug repellent?
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:37 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:37:15 GMT
You've seen us handing out Good Day Gas Money for weeks now, and Gurvir and Karen have met plenty of those lucky winners in person.
You've seen us handing out Good Day Gas Money for weeks now, and Gurvir and Karen have met plenty of those lucky winners in person. But Paul turned up the heat when he enlisted the help of two actresses from the new movie Operation Heat to play a little prank on his unsuspecting coworkers.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:30 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:30:53 GMT
Does your summer road trip include mouth-watering stops at mom-and-pop eateries? Ours does, and it'll be even better with the help of a new Southern Living book!
Off the Eaten Path: Second Helpings is dedicated to finding the best meals in the south-- and it features some great restaurants right here in north Georgia. Good Day's Paul Milliken checked out two of those gems-- The Hil in Serenbe, and Weaver D's in Athens! As usual, he didn't leave hungry.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 5:55 AM EDT2013-05-14 09:55:03 GMT
Sandy Springs police say the number of reported hit and runs are up right now -- everything from fender benders to fatal pedestrian wrecks. So how do they catch a hit and run driver?
Sandy Springs police say the number of reported hit and runs are up right now -- everything from fender benders to fatal pedestrian wrecks. So how do they catch a hit and run driver?
Thursday, May 2 2013 6:22 AM EDT2013-05-02 10:22:00 GMT
You may be starting to see them more and more around Georgia -- roundabout intersections. The Georgia Department of Transportation says in most cases they improve safety, and help with congestion.
You may be starting to see them more and more around Georgia -- roundabout intersections. The Georgia Department of Transportation says in most cases they improve safety, help with congestion, and are more cost efficient.
Thursday, April 25 2013 6:44 AM EDT2013-04-25 10:44:36 GMT
Some civil engineering students at Georgia Tech are working on a few projects to make getting around the city easier. They're a part of the Georgia Transportation Institute and soon, you could be using their research.
Some civil engineering students at Georgia Tech are working on a few projects to make getting around the city easier. They're a part of the Georgia Transportation Institute and soon, you could be using their research.
Wednesday, April 17 2013 6:13 AM EDT2013-04-17 10:13:56 GMT
An intersection more than 30 years in the making is kick starting growth in one Cherokee County city.
An intersection more than 30 years in the making is kick starting growth in one Cherokee County city. This past winter, Woodstock added the Ridgewalk Parkway exit to Interstate 575, and now a 370,000 square foot outlet mall plans to call the intersection home.
Friday, April 12 2013 6:23 AM EDT2013-04-12 10:23:43 GMT
If you've got a teenager, chances are you already have some sleepless nights worrying about them. But, it hits a whole new level when they start to drive!
If you've got a teenager, chances are you already have some sleepless nights worrying about them. But, it hits a whole new level when they start to drive!
Tuesday, April 9 2013 6:26 AM EDT2013-04-09 10:26:04 GMT
Last year, the Department of Driver Services made big changes to what documents you need to apply for, or renew, a license.
Last year, the Department of Driver Services made big changes to what documents you need to apply for, or renew, a license. Now, you have to show proof of identity, two proofs of residency, and your social security number.
More than 100,000 visitors will pack Atlanta each day for this weekend's Final Four, and even if you don't have a ticket, you still need to know how to get around.
More than 100,000 visitors will pack Atlanta each day for this weekend's Final Four, and even if you don't have a ticket, you still need to know how to get around.
Friday, March 29 2013 6:46 AM EDT2013-03-29 10:46:36 GMT
A group of teenagers from all around the state is working to help bring down the number of teen accidents and deaths. Last week, the Governor's Commission on Teen Driving made its pitch to lawmakers.
A group of teenagers from all around the state is working to help bring down the number of teen accidents and deaths. Last week, the Governor's Commission on Teen Driving made its pitch to lawmakers.
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