Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy
Your GM vehicle has a number of sophisticated
computers that record information about the
vehicle’s performance and how it is driven. For
example, your vehicle uses computer modules to
monitor and control engine and transmission
performance, to monitor the conditions for airbag
deployment and deploy airbags in a crash and, if so
equipped, to provide anti-lock braking to help the
driver control the vehicle. These modules may store
data to help your dealer/retailer technician service
your vehicle. Some modules may also store data
about how you operate the vehicle, such as rate of
fuel consumption or average speed. These
modules may also retain the owner’s personal
preferences, such as radio pre-sets, seat positions,
and temperature settings.
Event Data Recorders
Some information about your vehicle’s
performance and how it is driven may be recorded
on various modules if a crash occurs. Some
people refer to these modules asevent data
recorders (EDRs). These modules may record
several seconds of pre-crash and crash data, such
as data related toengine speed, brake
application, throttle position, vehicle speed,
yaw rate, steering wheel angle, lateral
acceleration, safety belt usage, airbag
readiness, airbag performanceandthe severity
of the collision.Unlike the ight data recorders
on airplanes, these modules do not record sounds
or conversations.
To retrieve this data, special equipment and
access to the vehicle or the module that stores the
data are required. Certain data may also be
sent to or retrieved by OnStar
®(see below). GM
will not access this information or share it with
others except: with the consent of the vehicle
owner or, if the vehicle is leased, with the consent
of the lessee; in response to an official request
of police or similar government office; as part
of GM’s defense of litigation through the
discovery process; or, as required by law.
500
