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.
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