Letters | To prevent traffic accidents in Hong Kong, ensure cars record driving data

Readers discuss the need to mandate event data recorders in Hong Kong, how to motivate children to quit gaming, the rationale behind fire danger warnings, and protecting nature while hiking

Reading Time:3 minutes

A car is severely damaged after colliding with a minibus near the junction of Sha Tin Wai Road and Tai Chung Kiu Road in Sha Tin on June 13. The 57-year-old minibus driver died and several passengers and the car driver were injured. Photo: May Tse

Published: 6:30am, 12 Nov 2021

Establishing the facts after a traffic collision, such as the one on Bride’s Pool Road, especially if there are no witnesses, skid marks or film, can be difficult. However, most modern cars come with an installed black box called an event data recorder (EDR).

The US has proposed broader use of EDRs to help improve vehicle safety, while the European Union is now looking at legislation concerning the EDR and access to the data contained within.

The EDR records the driver’s handling of the vehicle and should a collision occur, the EDR will save the data recorded 5 to 8 seconds before and after the collision. This data will show how the driver and vehicle responded to the collision, including speed, percentage the accelerator or brake was depressed, the percentage the steering wheel was turned, when the airbag was released or seat belt pre-tensioners deployed.

Car manufacturers use this data to fight lawsuits and enhance vehicle safety. American police in some states make great use of such data investigating traffic collisions.

The Hong Kong Traffic Police should also be using this treasure trove of collision data captured in the EDR during their investigations. The lessons learned can enhance road safety and provide clarity to an investigation, while prosecutors and defence lawyers should be assessing the EDR’s data, which could save valuable time at court.

To enhance road safety the Transport Department must legislate EDR to be mandatory in all vehicles sold in Hong Kong, specify the data to be recorded and include that the police have access to the EDR’s data while investigating traffic collisions.