1. Report No.

FMCSA-PSV-06-001

2. Government Accession No.

3. Recipient's Catalog No.

4. Title and Subtitle

Vehicle Data Recorders

5. Report Date

August 2005

6. Performing Organization Code

7. Author(s)

Robert M. Kreeb 1, Brian T. Nicosia 1

8. Performing Organization Report No.

9. Performing Organization Name and Address

1 Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., McLean, Virginia

10. Work Unit No. (TRAIS)

11. Contract or Grant No.

DTFH61-99-C-00025, Task Order 7

12. Sponsoring Agency Name and Address

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Office of Bus and Truck Standards and Operations (MC-PSV)

400 7 th Street, SW

Washington , DC 20590-0001

13. Type of Report and Period Covered

Final Project Report, July 2002-August 2005

14. Sponsoring Agency Code

FMCSA

15. Supplementary Notes

Contracting Officer's Technical Representative: Deborah M. Freund

16. Abstract

The primary objective of this project was to explore the potential for the development of cost-effective vehicle data recorder (VDR) solutions tailored to varied applications or market segments. Many of the technologies currently in the marketplace or emerging in the industry can or will be able to perform both data logging to improve operational efficiency and traditional event data recorder (EDR) functions-providing benefits in a wide array of applications. Early in this project, the aim was to explore both of these potential benefit scenarios. Through consultation with the FMCSA and NHTSA, the term "vehicle data recorder" (VDR) was selected as a way to streamline the discussion of technologies that perform one or both of these functions. Through a combination of technical research and analysis, including business-related cost-benefit assessment, potential VDR configurations ranging from fundamental to comprehensive were explored.

The following VDR concepts were developed:

Concept 1. A low-cost event-triggered data recorder for recording baseline accident data

Concept 2. A more advanced event-triggered data recorder incorporating advanced sensor technologies

Concept 3. A baseline continuous data recorder that records maintenance and operational data meant to improve fleet operations

Concept 4. An advanced continuous data recorder that includes additional driver-monitoring parameters

Concept 5. A "full-featured" VDR that might include accident data and operational-efficiency data.

In general, both VDR and event data recorder (EDR) devices will benefit the commercial vehicle industry and society as a whole, but these benefits will likely be spread across three primary stakeholder groups: (1) benefits to fleets, (2) benefits to OEMs, and (3) benefits to the public sector.

Benefits for fleets will primarily focus on improving operational efficiency and reducing operational costs. Benefits for OEMs will likely come from reducing liability costs and improving vehicle designs and safety. Benefits for public-sector stakeholders-such as transportation agencies, law enforcement, and the general public-will likely include improved vehicle safety; fewer crashes, injuries, and fatalities; and improved inspection capabilities.

17. Key Word

Commercial motor vehicles, event data recorders, onboard recorders, vehicle data loggers

18. Distribution Statement

No restrictions

19. Security Classif. (of this report)

Unclassified

20. Security Classif. (of this page)

Unclassified

21. No. of Pages

132

22. Price