WhyNot?

Black Box for Cars

Category: Insurance
Responses: 6 (4 in support, 0 neutral, 2 in opposition)
Number of views: 2114
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Create a combination of technologies (GPS, radar or sonar, automotive system monitoring, video cameras, weather devices) to monitor everything your car does and its environment. Monitor location, speed, brake application, use of turn signals, seatbelts, radio, road conditions, etc. Use this information to apportion liability in the event of an accident or as evidence in court for defense or prosecution.

Insurance companies would offer lower premiums to drivers who choose to have these technologies (collectively called "black box") installed. They would be paid for by insurance companies out of greater profits or drivers out of lower premiums. Safe drivers would choose to install the black box to be rewarded for their safe driving. Drivers with black boxes would presumably drive more safely.

Eventually, insurance companies might only insure drivers with black boxes. Then every driver would have to have one and every driver would drive more safely, saving billions in property damage, litigation and medical expenses, not to mention addressing a leading cause of death among healthy young people.

Economic keywords: moral hazard, asymmetric information

Cost-Benefit Analysis: Is the amortized cost of R&D plus installation less than the amortized savings in property damage, litigation and medical expenses?

Privacy Concerns: If the black box is "voluntary" (but no insurance company will insure you if you don't have one and no state will allow you to drive without insurance), is there a legal basis for a prohibition of black boxes? What if the video camera monitors other vehicles (to help apportion liability in case of accident)?

ahclaster, Jun 02 2004

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Nice expansion of the discussion Barry and Ian had on NPR. (View here.)

lokani24, Jun 02 2004

I believe this is already being done in some cars now. I just don't know which ones ...

Michael, Jun 15 2004

after ahclaster has this done to his car, he can have a "black box" installed into his skull so if he does anything to upset the powers that be, they can simply run some voltage thru his frontal lobe and he will return to a docile state to be picked up by the proper authorities.

mr nutt, Jul 25 2004

There is a product in the market that will monitor the driving behaviour and report it back so that actions can be taken. Alerts will be sent for speeding, tailgating, fast & frequent lane changes, etc... In case of an accident those data can be used to determine the cause. This product is in use by Commercial Vehicles, and is expected to be promoted by Insurance Companies to weed out the bad drivers.

philippe1965, Jul 27 2004

Aviva Canada (in Ontario) and Progessive (in Minnesota) are tesing a chip that does this right now. Take a look.

https://secure.avivacanada.com/autograph/product.php?content=AUTOGRAPH_CONSUMER&language=ENGLISH

http://www.progressive.com/newsroom/Tripsense_04.asp

trevman31, Oct 28 2004

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