The Collision Reconstruction team at AB Forensics use BOSCH CanPlus and BOSCH CDR 900 software and hardware to interface with the Airbag Control Module of a vehicle. The Airbag Control Module is also commonly referred to as the Event Data Recorder (EDR). The BOSCH CDR kit can be used to “image” system data, pre-crash data and crash data that can be stored in the EDR if the vehicle is involved in a collision or rollover event.
The BOSCH CDR kit can be used to “image” data directly from the vehicle via the OBD II port (typically located near the driver footwell) if the vehicle can be powered and there is a key available (expect for certain GM vehicles which don’t require the key). Alternatively, the EDR can be removed from the vehicle and an “imaging” of the data stored in the EDR can be completed on a benchtop using the appropriate Direct-to-Module cable.
System Data, Pre-Crash data and Crash Data
System Data, Pre-Crash Data and Crash data retrieved from the EDR can provide valuable insights into the circumstances around an insurance claim.
Pre-crash data typically comprises 5 seconds of information such as Vehicle Speed, Accelerator Use, Brake Use, Steering Input, Vehicle ABS, Yaw Rate, and other data and can show:
- the vehicle speed during the 5 seconds prior to the collision and at the time of the collision
- driver behavior such as Accelerator use, Brake use, and Steering input during the 5 seconds prior to the collision
- vehicle dynamics from ABS activity and Yaw rate during the 5 seconds prior to the collision
- if the vehicle was occupied and/or ON at the time of the collision (useful in claimed hit and run scenarios)
Crash data typically captures the duration and magnitude of the collision event and can be used to determine the dynamics of the collision, severity of the collision and the risk of a driver or occupant sustaining specific injuries. The duration and magnitude of the collision event will vary depending on the collision dynamics (whether it is a rear impact, side impact, front impact or rollover). For example, the Lateral Crash Pulse below shows the duration of a side impact event to be between 60 and 80 milliseconds and the maximum lateral change in velocity (Delta-V) experienced by the vehicle occupants to be just under 10 MPH (16 km/h). Crash data can be used to:
- determine the severity of the collision
- determine the risk of specific injury to any occupant of the vehicle
BOSCH CDR Supported Vehicles
BOSCH CDR support the vast majority of vehicles manufactured in North America. An extensive list of all vehicles supported by the BOSCH CDR kit is provided on the BOSCH Diagnostics website and can be accessed at the following link:
CDR Software Downloads | Bosch Diagnostics
