Current methods for the reconstruction of the sequence of events associated with a road accident are based largely on measurements taken during the static phase of the accident. This is when the vehicles involved have come to rest. The use of observations made by casual observers is notoriously unreliable. The Driver and Accident Coordinating Observer program (DRACO) will provide data on the movements of the vehicle and the status of the vehicle systems immediately prior to, during and after impact, thus allowing a greatly reduced potential for ambiguity in the reconstruction of all phases of the accident. DRACO data will be supported by the ususal observations made currently by the police and accident investigators. The paper surveys the likely interests in DRACO data by a variety of end users. The need to protect the interest of the driver with regard to privacy issues is explained. The political and social implications of a DRACO device are discussed. Additionally, ideas to make the recorder data and any down-loaded data tamper-proof, free from misuse by unauthorised agencies and be acceptable to lawyers for use in a court-of-law are described. (A)
Abstract