Spain introduces mandatory black boxes for cars

From July 8, all newly registered vehicles in Spain will come with this safety device pre-installed

This groundbreaking initiative, led by the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), is aimed at enhancing driver safety and follows the European Union’s guidelines for improved road safety.

The black box, also known as an Event Data Recorder (EDR), is an innovative device about the size of a mobile phone. It is installed discreetly under the driver’s seat, becoming a standard feature in new vehicles. While the concept of black boxes in cars is not new, their mandatory implementation in Spain marks a significant step forward, with the potential to revolutionise road safety across the country.

Motorists won’t actually be able to go out and buy a black box to install in their cars; instead, they’ll come factory fitted as standard. And while the requirement is expected to ramp up the purchase price of vehicles slightly – between 300 and 800 euros is the estimation – the benefits far outweigh the cost.

These advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are designed to collect and record a wealth of data, providing invaluable insights in the event of a traffic accident. From technical details such as braking patterns and vehicle speed to general information like weather conditions and time of day, the black box offers a comprehensive snapshot of the moments leading up to and during a collision.

The value of this data cannot be overstated. According to estimates by the European Union, the widespread use of black boxes in vehicles has the potential to prevent a staggering 25,000 deaths and up to 140,000 serious injuries on roads across the continent.

This makes the black box one of the most important safety features in modern vehicles, offering a level of protection that goes beyond traditional safety measures.

The black box’s data collection capabilities are truly impressive, capturing around fifteen distinct data points during an accident.

The system records critical information such as the moment of braking, vehicle speed and the force of impact, all of which can play a crucial role in accident reconstruction and improving safety standards.

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