The black boxes in airplanes give us useful information after a crash. If the pilot did something wrong of there was a technical problem, the black box never lies! Now the car industry is trying to introduce it too. Some insurance policies are already giving some insurances that pay attention to the driving behavior of the driver. The insurers did some research and the results were remarkable. The cars with a black box on board cause 11% less accidents then the cars who haven’t got one, because the black boxes register the speed of the car. The black boxes in cars make use of satellite communication like a mobile phone does so. Then they can see what the driver did wrong or what happened during the accident.
The only thing that could cause a problem is the huge database the insurance companies will need to save all the personal information about the driver, but some IT specialist found a way to protect the databases. They came up with a very sophisticated system to guarantee the safety of the system. This box gives also advice of what the car driver should do or shouldn’t do. This is to avoid accidents off course. There will also be fines if the black boxes prove the driver didn’t respected the speed limits. The box will registrate the speed and give the needed information to the police.
Last year, there were already some projects to try the idea out. Ethias was the first pioneer on this market and launched the EcoCoach car. This system registers the speed, the acceleration, the fuel use, … . With this system, the fuel use can come down to 8%, which off course is very good for the environment and people’s wallet. Now, there are already 100 cars equipped with the system, but it’s too soon for an evaluation. People sense the profit they’ve made, but the question is what happens to that bonus? Some say you have to pay it out to the government, but the majority sais you have to reward the people and give it to them, because only with the “green” consciousness you won’t get far! Also other bank institutions like Axa and Dexia are now becoming participants of this new raze!
The projects have already lots of participants and seems to be a good way of preventing people to cross the speed limits. Also the emission of CO2 gasses will decrease! What a new way of supervision can do with people’s habits.
Nathalie COUDEVILLE
Source:
http://www.standaard.be/Artikel/Detail.aspx?artikelId=O526KB05&word=AUTOVERZEKERING.
I think the black box in cars is an excellent invention because every day there are happening (fatally) accidents. It is great that with the help of the box the insurance company can estimate the circumstances of the accident, so there would never be any discussion of who has caused the accident. The relatives of the person who lost his life in the accident often want to know what has happened.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenWhen the drivers act correctly behind the wheel, they receive a bonus. I think this is a very good way to stimulate people to drive safely in the traffic.
In my opinion there is one disadvantage attached to the box and that is the incident of speeding that will be reported to the police. Everyone drives sometimes too fast and I do not think that is it the duty of the insurance company to work together with the police to punish their customers with a fine. I think it is better that the concerning person will be punished by not awarding (a part of) the bonus instead of giving a fine.
Sofie De Cooman