Crash Data Retrieval

Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) is the process of obtaining crash data from a component installed in most passenger cars, SUVs, and trucks called an airbag control module (ACM).  An ACM is the central part of a vehicle’s advanced occupant restraint system. The primary function of the ACM is to decide based on pre-determined parameters when to activate supplemental restraint device(s) (e.g. frontal airbags, torso airbags, side curtain shield airbags, and/or seat belt pretensioners). The ACM also performs a self-diagnostic at vehicle start-up to monitor module and sensor circuit resistances, and to activate a warning if discrepancies are noted. The ACM’s secondary function is to record crash data. Depending on its hardware configuration, these stored event records may include, but are not limited to pre-crash parameters such as vehicle speed, brake application, engine RPM, and steering; and crash parameters such as vehicle accelerations, crash duration, and velocity change.

Kurt Weiss is a certified crash data retrieval technician, operator, and data analyst, and uses Bosch Diagnostics’ Crash Data Retrieval Tool to image crash data. He started training with this technology in 2001. Mr. Weiss has since completed more than 200 hours of specialized training approved by Bosch Diagnostics, LLC, through Crash Data Group, Collision Safety Institute, CDR-Trainers, Kent E. Boots & Associates, and Vetronix Corporation.

Crash data may help increase one's understanding of a traffic collision by providing additional information in support of traditional collision reconstruction methodologies. Mr. Weiss has testified about his methodology, his interpretation of crash data, and its application to his collision reconstruction analysis. He is frequently consulted by local law enforcement to obtain crash data to assist their criminal investigations.

A majority of the vehicle manufacturers have partnered with Bosch Diagnostics, thereby allowing law enforcement agencies, field specialists and engineer specialists like Mr. Weiss to image crash data stored in the ACMs. Supported vehicle manufacturers include: