Why Haven't Car Companies Implemented Comprehensive Data Historians Yet?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the potential for car software to log data such as speed and turn signal usage, which could be useful in legal situations to verify claims about driving behavior. Participants express curiosity about why automotive companies have not widely adopted this technology. While some mention existing solutions like dash cameras and insurance tracking devices that monitor speed and driving habits, there is a desire for more comprehensive data access, specifically from a vehicle's black box. Suggestions include using OBD-2 devices for real-time data monitoring, although concerns about privacy and exclusive access to data are noted. Overall, there is a call for advancements in vehicle data logging to enhance accountability and safety on the road.
gfd43tg
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I think it would be great if cars software could historize data such as speed, using turn signals, etc which can be used in court to prove/disprove if someone was in fact speeding or didn’t use their turn signal. Why haven’t companies moved this way yet?
 
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Apart from turn signals, what makes you think they haven't?
 
Vanadium 50 said:
Apart from turn signals, what makes you think they haven't?
I’ve never heard of it. How can I access the data?
 
My mother in law has a dongle-like-thing in her car from an insurance company that tracks things like car speed.
If you don't speed, you get better insurance rates.
 
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BillTre said:
My mother in law has a dongle-like-thing in her car from an insurance company that tracks things like car speed.
If you don't speed, you get better insurance rates.
You beat me to it. Here is a link with more info: https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/how-do-those-car-insurance-tracking-devices-work
 
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@BillTre and @berkeman, note that the data port is a way to access the data in real time via a stand alone device or bluetooth adapter, but I don't think you can access the car's actual black box that way.

...which isn't to say that wouldn't still meet the OP's needs.
 
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russ_watters said:
If you forgive the tone, this is informative:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech.../26/keep-your-car-black-box-private/20609035/

Edit: a dash camera might meet your requirements. They can record speed and hear your turn signals.
The dash cam is in the works, but I want as much evidence at my disposal as possible. That would include retrieving data from the vehicle blackbox with a time stamp.
 
Maylis said:
The dash cam is in the works, but I want as much evidence at my disposal as possible
Research apps that can monitor the data in real time and record it. I'm not sure if a stand alone device exactly matching what you want exists though.

...edit: I've seen ones for parents to monitor kids though.
 
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russ_watters said:
Research apps that can monitor the data in real time and record it. I'm not sure if a stand alone device exactly matching what you want exists though.

...edit: I've seen ones for parents to monitor kids though.

It sounds like what I want is the OBD-2 device, but only I have access to the data
 
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