CRASH DATA RETRIEVAL SYSTEM

The Vetronix Crash Data Retrieval System consists of hardware and software that download pre-crash data from a vehicle’s airbag module to a computer. The data is then presented in easy to read graphs and tables.

The airbag module that controls airbag deployment has been installed on General Motor vehicles from 1994 to present. Since 1998, recordable airbag modules have been installed on some Ford vehicles. Some of the data that is recorded (depending upon the make, model, and year of the vehicle) is the vehicle’s speed five seconds before impact, engine speed, throttle position, whether the driver’s seatbelt switch was on or off, whether or not the passenger’s airbag was enabled or not, and brake status. It is not necessary that the airbags deploy in order to have a recordable event.

A near deployment of the airbag will “wake up” the system and store a non-deployment event for up to 250 ignition cycles. It is anticipated that other vehicle manufacturers will release information within the next year that will allow access to more makes and models of vehicles. This technology allows Midwest Accident Reconstruction Services, L.C. to provide you with unparalleled service in thoroughly reconstructing collisions. The data obtained from the airbag modules is not subjective, but simply a record of what was occurring with the vehicle seconds before the impact.

The use of the Crash Data Retrieval System is not a replacement for a reconstruction, as there are numerous unanswered questions even with this data. However, the acquisition of the Crash Data Retrieval System has enabled us to provide you with even more services and options.

Midwest Accident Reconstruction Services, L.C., at your request, can download the data during the course of a full reconstruction, or we can simply download the vehicle data and store it for future reference, with no reconstruction. However, the use of this technology was never intended to replace a thorough investigation.