An event data recorder, commonly known as an EDR, is a function built in to most if not all modern vehicles. In the event of a collision or what the vehicle considers a near-miss, it records data about what the vehicle was doing in the seconds before the incident.

But how you do you access that data? Well, there are a number of ways.

Commercially available tools

There are tools which you can purchase, including one by Bosch called the Bosch CDR (collision data retrieval) tool and one by Collision Sciences Crash Scan. Both tools have two methods of downloading data, the first is by connecting the tool to the vehicles on-board diagnostic (OBD) port. You then run through the software, and the software images the EDR. Sometimes however, electrical power isn't available to the EDR due to catastrophic collision damage. In those instances, the EDR (which is usually contained within the airbag module) is physically removed from the car and the tools are connected directly to the airbag module, in a process called going direct-to-module (DTM). Unfortunately neither Bosch CDR and Crash Scan can download all vehicles, for reasons which are explained later on.

Manufacturer specific tool

Not all manufacturers make their data available to Bosch CDR/CrashScan. Instead, they produce their own manufacturer specific tool which essentially works the same as the commercially available tools, but only works on that make of vehicle. Such manufacturers include Tesla, Kia and Hyundai (there are more).

Manufacturer only download

Certain manufacturers are protective over the data their vehicles store and so instead of making a tool available (either commercially or manufacturer specific), they opt to download the data from the vehicle themselves. The data is generally only available to the owner of the vehicle or in certain circumstances, others with a lawful right to access it (i.e. law enforcement with a warrant etc). Thankfully the number of manufacturers who operate this way is relatively limited, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) being one of them

What happens when you get the data?

If you are intending on using the data in a legal process, whether criminal or civil, whilst you could use any of the above methods, I would always suggest consulting an EDR expert, such as Driven Forensics. We have the knowledge, experience and qualifications to help you access the data, interpret it correctly and provide an accurate analysis of what the data shows, as there are countless cases where the vehicle has recorded one thing, when in fact, the data it recorded bore no relevance to the actual collision, and this is where the training, skill and experience from a seasoned EDR expert comes in to its own.

Contact us today to find out if your vehicle is supported and what information might be available. We operate a nationwide recovery and analysis service, so once you have instructed us, simply sit back and wait for the analysis to come to you.

e. enquiry@drivenforensics.co.uk

t. 0113 534 8708

p. Driven Forensics Ltd, 142 Thornes Lane, Wakefield, WF2 7RE