Heavy Vehicle Event Data Recorders (HvEDR)
Heavy Vehicle Event Data Recorders
Most modern heavy trucks have some form of an event data recorder, although they are not "designed" to have them. Data can be obtained from various modules throughout the vehicle, that can give insight into speed, braking, and other factors prior to a "trigger", or an event that records data.
These events were designed to give manufacturers and mechanics an indication of what was going on in the truck when a "fault" or "diagnostic trouble code" occurred.
When applied properly, and with validation, this data can be used in collision investigations.
James Loftis is one of a few instructors who teach this application to police officers, engineers, and private investigators. James helped develop the curriculum for this training, and frequently does validation testing on various truck engines, and other modules capable of giving this data.
Many times a year, as part of training conducted in Heavy Vehicle Event Data Recorders, James and the Forensic Training Group conduct validation testing on various different truck/engine combinations. The trucks are instrumented with Vbox Sport and Vbox3 GPS instruments. This allows participants the opportunity to compare the speed shown on the EDR reports to the speeds in the Vbox devices, or other methods.
If you have a case with a specific engine type and need to know the type of data that can be obtained, and the validity of the data, contact us. There is a good chance we have tested it, and can assist you in your case.
Test Subject Vehicles. Boise, Idaho, August, 2020
Kenworth CM2350.mp4Validation testing on a 2016 Kenworth T880 with a Cummins CM2350
2021 Frht CPC5.mp4Validation testing on a 2021 Freightliner with a Detroit Diesel CPC5
