The DRIVE 2 project SAMOVAR is carrying out a field trial of a range of Data Recorders in real world fleets. The technical objectives within this project are varied, however one specific emphasis is on the application of Accident Data Recorders (ADRs) to road vehicles and the post-accident analysis of their data. In particular the project is evaluating the cost-efficiency benefits of ADR derived accident reconstructions in comparison with "classical" methods of accident-site data collection and analysis. This follows on from an earlier EEC project under DRIVE 1 called DRACO which examined the concept of ADRs (1989-1991). The German company Mannesman-Kienzle has now produced the first series production product that embodies the principals of an ADR. Their UDS device is currently being fitted to vehicles in several European member states. The SAMOVAR consortium is using this UDS device in a field trial carried out in association with the Metropolitan Police flfeet in London during 1994. Thirthy-six operational police cars have been fitted with UDS and their use in service is being monitored. In order to assess the market implications for such ADR systems in a new territory such as the United Kingdom, a briefing workshop was organised in association with the Metropolitan Police trial. This workshop concentrated on the technical specification and predicted use of such a system to prompt discussion from an invited multi-disciplinary audience and the discussions are summarised here. In addition a practical demonstration of a vehicle fitted with an ADR was also given and examples of analysis of data captured from the vehicle was shown and is illustrated here.
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