Car insurance: Drivers, not black boxes, prevent accidents
Friday, 06 November 2009
Drivers are responsible for avoiding accidents and subsequent car insurance claims, not black box technology, it has been stated.
The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) points out that event data recorders (EDRs) do not prevent anything from happening but simply record what has happened.
It says the technology's effect in safety terms is 'simply in keeping the driver aware'.
Commenting on the fact that EDRs have been used by the Metropolitan Police for several years, Peter Rodger, chief examiner at the IAM, stated: "It was effective in the short to medium term, but in the longer term its direct effect is reduced, because people get used to the fact it is there and stop thinking about it."
Recording what happened is extremely useful when assessing a car insurance claim after an accident, but safety issues need to be kept in drivers' minds at all times, he added.
"What we have to remember is that these things will not prevent accidents," Mr Rodger concluded.
EDRs have been assessed by an EU project entitled Veronica, which suggested that the black boxes would help explain the causes of accidents and make motorists more responsible.
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Posted by Claire Carter
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