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Intel works on designing a ‘black box’ for cars

As reported by Autocar this week, computer giant, Intel, have been working on the development of a black box for cars. The 'box' could constantly record a car's movements prior to a crash. The recordings could then be investigated by the police to resolve any mystery as to the cause and fault of an accident.


Furthermore, these recordings could also be passed onto crash investigation units that could then determine exactly how the driver lost control of the vehicle in the first place. This could help improve road safety in the future as research teams could work directly at eliminating the errors, rather than throwing vague assumptions into the air, such as 'speed was the number one factor'.

The black box would record details of the throttle position, brake pressure, steering inputs and even incorporate video recordings via internal and external cameras. The Intel team has also gone as far as saying the technology could even open up the possibility of cars being constantly connected to the internet so the car could automatically alert authorities - and even other motorists - of car crash locations, live. This could put an end to all car accident mysteries and help reduce hazards on the road.

Justin Ratner, director of Intel Laboratories, said in the report with Autocar,

“We are looking at a whole range of enhancements that will improve the driving experience, safety and security of vehicles. The intelligent vehicle is what we are talking about here. Once a car is connected [to the internet] all sorts of interesting possibilities present themselves.”

The report also outlined the possibility of the system being linked up to insurance companies. This could speed up policy process times and also, potentially, reduce insurance premiums. Although in the report, an insurance representative was quick to say that any reduction in insurance premiums would only occur if there weren't any additional repair costs to factor in due to the technology placed in the car.

Insurance companies could also choose not to pay out customers at fault of an accident under scrutiny and leverage of the black box recordings.

Is it getting a little too personal though, is it almost an invasion of privacy? Let us know what you think.

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