[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 151 (Friday, August 5, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47478-47489]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-19214]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Transportation Safety Administration

49 CFR Part 563

[Docket No. NHTSA-2011-0106]
RIN 2127-AK71


Event Data Recorders

AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 
Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; response to petitions for reconsideration.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: On January 14, 2008, the agency published a final rule \1\ 
amending the requirements for event data recorders (EDRs). The January 
2008 document responded to petitions for reconsideration of the 
original August 2006 final rule that established the EDR 
standardization requirements for those voluntarily installed. In 
response to the January 14, 2008, final rule, the agency received three 
petitions for reconsideration from the Alliance of Automobile 
Manufacturers (Alliance), the Association of International Automobile 
Manufacturers, Inc. Technical Affairs Committee (AIAM), and Mr. Thomas 
Kowalick, a private citizen. After careful consideration, the agency is 
granting some aspects of the petitions, and denying others.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ On February 8, 2008 the Federal Register issued a correction 
notice for the data in Table II of the final rule. See 73 FR 8408.

DATES: Effective Date: The amendments in this rule are effective 
October 4, 2011.
    Compliance Dates: Except as provided below, light vehicles 
manufactured on or after September 1, 2012, that are equipped with an 
EDR and manufacturers of those vehicles must comply with this rule. 
However, vehicles that are manufactured in two or more stages or that 
are altered (prior to first sale) are not required to comply with the 
rule until September 1, 2013. Voluntary compliance is permitted before 
that date.
    Petitions: If you wish to submit a petition for reconsideration of 
this rule, your petition must be received by September 19, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Petitions for reconsideration should refer to the docket 
number and be submitted to: Administrator, National Highway Traffic 
Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building, 4th 
Floor, Washington, DC 20590. Please see the Privacy Act heading under 
Rulemaking Analyses and Notices.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical and policy issues, 
contact: David Sutula, Office of Crashworthiness Standards, NVS-112. 
Telephone: (202) 366-3273. Facsimile: (202) 366-7002.
    For legal issues, contact:
    Mr. David Jasinski, Office of the Chief Counsel, NCC-112. 
Telephone: (202) 366-2992. Facsimile: (202) 366-3820.
    Both persons may be reached by mail at the following address:
    National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey 
Avenue, SE., West Building, 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Table of Contents

I. Background
II. Summary of Petitions for Reconsideration
III. Discussion and Analysis
IV. Rulemaking Analyses and Notices
V. Regulatory Text

I. Background

    In August 2006, NHTSA issued a final rule \2\ to establish uniform 
performance requirements for the accuracy, collection, storage, 
survivability, and retrievability of onboard motor vehicle crash event 
data recorders (EDRs) voluntarily installed in passenger cars and other 
light vehicles. This final rule was intended to standardize the data 
obtained through EDRs so that such data would be put to the most 
effective future use.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ See 71 FR 50998.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Specifically, the regulation, 49 CFR part 563 (Part 563), applies 
to passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, trucks, and buses 
with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 3,855 kg (8,500 pounds) or 
less and an unloaded vehicle weight of 2,495 kg (5,500 pounds) or less, 
except for walk-in van-type trucks or vehicles designed to be sold 
exclusively to the U.S. Postal Service, that are equipped with an event 
data recorder and to the manufacturers of these vehicles. The final 
rule is intended to be technology-neutral, so as to permit compliance 
with any available EDR technology that meets the specified performance 
requirements.
    In January 2008 (73 FR 2168), the agency amended the EDR final rule 
in the following ways:
     We clarified the event storage definitions to alleviate 
any uncertainties in multiple event crashes,
     Revised certain sensor ranges and accuracies to reflect 
current state of the art technologies,
     Clarified the recorded data reporting format,
     Specified vehicle storage conditions during compliance 
testing,
     Clarified the required data elements and scope of covered 
sensors, and
     Revised the effective date to provide additional time for 
manufacturers and suppliers to comply with the rule.

The agency made these technical changes to encourage broad application 
of EDR technologies in motor vehicles and maximize the usefulness of 
EDR data for vehicle designers, researchers, and the medical community, 
without imposing unnecessary burdens or deterring future improvements 
to EDRs that have been voluntarily installed. The final rule also 
changed the effective date to September 1, 2012, to provide 
manufacturers more time to implement the necessary changes to EDR 
architectures within their normal product development cycles. NHTSA 
also issued a Federal Register notice on February 8, 2008, (73 FR 8408) 
to correct the placement of decimal points for data in Table II of the 
final rule.

[[Page 47479]]

II. Summary of Petitions for Reconsideration

    The agency received three petitions for reconsideration \3\ and two 
requests for interpretation in response to the January 2008 final rule. 
The petitions for reconsideration were submitted by the Alliance of 
Automobile Manufacturers (Alliance), the Association of International 
Automobile Manufacturers, Inc. Technical Affairs Committee (AIAM), and 
Mr. Thomas Kowalick. The requests for interpretation were submitted by 
the Automotive Occupant Restraints Council (AORC) and Robert Bosch, LLC 
(Bosch). To the extent possible, the agency will address these requests 
for interpretation in this notice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ See Docket number NHTSA-2008-0004, submissions 0005 through 
0007.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Alliance petitioned the agency to remove collection of 
acceleration data from part 563. It commented that acceleration could 
be reasonably estimated from delta-V data collected by the EDR, and 
that the 250 millisecond time interval required in Part 563 would 
increase the cost of memory for storage of acceleration data. It 
further commented that the revised acceleration data accuracy 
requirements do not sufficiently address the effects of data clipping. 
It recommended that the agency amend Sec.  563.6 to be consistent with 
the agency's intent to exclude peripheral sensors as described in the 
preamble of the final rule. The Alliance recommended that the agency 
establish a test procedure for compliance with the delta-V accuracy 
requirement. Finally, the Alliance commented on several technical and 
editorial corrections to clarify the regulatory text for certain data 
elements such as suppression switch status, occupant classification, 
antilock braking system (ABS) status, stability control status, and 
seat track position.
    The AIAM requested that the agency make an allowance in the final 
rule for the possibility of reduced accelerometer accuracy resulting 
from data clipping. It commented that clipping can occur at higher 
impact speeds even with sensors of fairly wide range capability. It 
requested that the agency clarify its intent with regard to the capture 
and lock of data collected from certain air bag deployment events. In 
addition, the AIAM requested that the agency clarify certain data 
elements and definitions such as time zero, end of event, multi-event 
status, and accelerometer range.
    Mr. Thomas Kowalick petitioned the agency to reconsider a 
mechanical lock out system for the download port of EDRs that could 
only be accessed by the owner of the vehicle. He stated that devices 
are being offered to consumers to alter odometer readings, erase EDR 
data, or prevent EDR data from being recorded by the vehicle.
    In its request for interpretation, the AORC stated its belief that 
manufacturers will forego recording of acceleration data and lateral 
delta-V data if the agency does not allow for additional inaccuracy due 
to data clipping. It requested that the agency clarify the accuracy 
requirements in Table III, specifically for accelerometers, and all 
parameters calculated from the accelerometer data. Additionally, the 
AORC requested that the agency clarify:
    [cir] That events involving deployable restraints other than air 
bags could be treated as an event trigger at the option of the 
manufacturer,
    [cir] That the data lock may apply to either the individual event 
data or the entire EDR at the option of the manufacturer,
    [cir] Whether the acceleration/angular rate data elements in Table 
II are single sampled (raw) data or time averaged data, and
    [cir] That newer steering systems with active intervention may 
allow cases where the steering angle and tire position may not 
correlate.
    Bosch requested that the agency clarify that the lateral 
acceleration data element requirement in Table III is based on the need 
for data from lateral sensors with a relatively large range (high-G), 
having a typical range of  50 g and used for side crash 
events, rather than lateral sensors with a relatively small range (low-
G) having a typical range of  5 g and used for rollover 
events. It assumed that the lateral acceleration data used for side 
crash events are the main scope of the final rule, and therefore that 
the range for the data element would be more appropriately set at 
 50 g. Bosch also requested that the agency interpret the 
accuracy and resolution for the steering input data element in Table 
III so that the range, resolution, and accuracy are consistent.

III. Discussion and Analysis

A. Request To Delete Acceleration Data From Requirements of Part 563

    Part 563 specifies that if the EDR records acceleration data ``in 
non-volatile memory for the purpose of subsequent downloading,'' then 
the data must be reported under the minimum conditions and format 
specified in Tables II and III. Acceleration data has been introduced 
as a desired component of the EDR rulemaking as early as the June 14, 
2004 \4\ Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). Originally proposed as a 
required data element, we revised the requirement to an optional data 
element in the August 28, 2006 \5\ final rule in favor of the 
requirement to record delta-V data. However, we retained the 
acceleration data elements in recognition of the value of this data 
when reconstructing a crash. In response to the 2006 final rule, the 
Alliance stated that acceleration data could be derived from the delta-
V data and petitioned the agency to delete the collection requirements 
for accelerometer data. In the January 14, 2008 final rule, we denied 
the Alliance petition stating that ``acceleration is a common data 
element collected in engineering studies and crash tests to determine 
crash severity and the shape of the crash pulse in frontal and rear 
crashes.'' However, for reporting acceleration data, we reduced the 
sampling rate from 500 samples/second to 100 samples/second, reduced 
the accuracy from  5 percent to  10 percent, 
reduced the resolution from 0.01 g to 0.5 g and removed filtering 
protocols to better reflect current accelerometer technologies.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ See Docket number NHTSA-2004-18029.
    \5\ See Docket number NHTSA-2006-25666.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In response to the January 14, 2008 final rule, the Alliance again 
petitioned the agency to remove the acceleration data element from part 
563. It commented that there are several reasons for the agency to 
reconsider its decision. First, the Alliance stated that given the 
revisions adopted in the January 14, 2008 final rule, retaining 
acceleration data in the regulation provides no incremental crash 
assessment information since the acceleration data can be readily 
derived from delta-V data. It suggested that through simple arithmetic 
manipulation of the delta-V data, the agency could derive acceleration 
data. Second, the Alliance stated that a 70 millisecond acceleration 
data element time interval is typically used in EDRs for evaluating air 
bag performance, not the 250 millisecond interval required in Part 563. 
It commented that the increased cost of data storage to meet the 
regulation could potentially lead to the unintended consequence of 
manufacturers opting not to capture and record acceleration data. 
Third, the Alliance commented that it is unaware of any way to 
practically assess or comply with the  10 percent accuracy 
requirement for the acceleration data elements.
    The AIAM commented that while the agency provided allowance for

[[Page 47480]]

accelerometers with ranges greater than the minimums specified in Table 
III, it did not provide any additional allowance for resolution based 
on an extended range. The AIAM thus believes that manufacturers will 
incur additional costs to increase the resolution of accelerometers 
with ranges in excess of the minimums. It recommended that the agency 
reconsider the Alliance approach \6\ proposed in its petition for 
reconsideration to the August 28, 2006 final rule. The Alliance 
proposed that the accelerometer resolution be revised to ``the range of 
the sensor divided by the number of available states in one byte.'' In 
this manner, a sensor capable of measuring 100 g would have a 
resolution of 0.39 g (100 g/255 states in a byte).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ See Docket No. NHTSA-2006-25666-441.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Similarly, the AORC stated their belief that vehicle manufacturers 
will forgo recording acceleration data due to concerns about 
inaccuracies from sensor saturation or data clipping. The AORC 
requested that the agency clarify that the accuracy requirement for the 
acceleration data elements applies to the full scale physical 
application sensor, rather than the minimum range shown in Table III.
    Agency Response: We are denying the petition to remove acceleration 
from Part 563. The agency continues to believe, as it has twice stated 
(in the August 28, 2006 and January 14, 2008 final rules), that 
acceleration is a common data element collected in engineering studies 
and crash tests. Vehicle accelerations are among the first sets of data 
collected by the EDR, and are subsequently used for determining vehicle 
delta-V data. We are aware that several vehicle manufacturers, such as 
Ford Motor Company (Ford) and General Motors (GM), currently record 
acceleration data via the EDR in addition to delta-V data. The agency 
has also stated that the acceleration data element is important in 
understanding and evaluating air bag deployment algorithms and vehicle 
crash pulses for the purposes of better understanding occupant 
restraint performance and predicting injury in crash reconstructions. 
The Alliance has also recognized the value of accelerometer data \7\ 
for such purposes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ See Alliance Comments in Docket Nos. NHTSA-2004-18029, 
NHTSA-2006-25666, and NHTSA-2008-0004.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In its petition for reconsideration, the Alliance first stated that 
``* * * it is pointless to separately record acceleration data at a 
rate and interval that matches the rate and interval of delta-V data, 
given that these acceleration data can be derived by simple arithmetic 
manipulation of the delta-V data.'' Secondly, it suggested that the 
cost increase involving Part 563 acceleration data could provide strong 
incentive for not recording acceleration data at all.
    We partially agree with the Alliance regarding the need to 
separately record acceleration data at a rate and interval that matches 
the rate and interval of delta-V data. Our interest in acceleration 
data extends beyond the simple arithmetic manipulation of delta-V data 
for the reasons cited above. However, we note that for other reasons 
described below, we have revised the acceleration data element in a 
manner that addresses the Alliance's concerns about the recording 
intervals and potential for increased costs.
    The remaining concerns expressed by the Alliance and other 
petitioners dealt with persistent technical issues that affect 
compliance with the acceleration data element requirements. The 
Alliance stated that the accuracy of the acceleration data collected by 
the EDR would not necessarily coincide with the laboratory acceleration 
data at any given moment in time. Specifically, the Alliance stated 
that EDR acceleration data is typically filtered at a different level 
than laboratory accelerometers, and thus results in recorded 
acceleration data that is phase-shifted in time. Information shared 
during an ex parte meeting with GM \8\ on May 8, 2008, also illustrated 
this issue: the data showed that at given points in time, the 10 
percent accuracy requirement was not met.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ See Docket number NHTSA-2008-0004.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Three organizations, the Alliance, the AORC, and the AIAM stated 
that the revised acceleration data accuracy requirements do not 
sufficiently address the effects of data clipping. The Alliance stated 
that during crash tests specified for Part 563 compliance, it is not 
uncommon to experience brief periods of deceleration exceeding 50 g. 
The AORC stated that such clipped data and resulting inaccuracies could 
deter manufacturers recording acceleration. The AIAM also agreed with 
the Alliance in that manufacturers would need to switch to sensors of 
very high ranges (in excess of  100 g) in order to meet the 
accuracy requirements in Part 563. Consequently, the AIAM suggested 
that vehicle manufacturers would need to redesign their EDR systems 
with higher range sensors that could result in degradation in air bag 
system performance. The AIAM submitted data from five crash tests to 
illustrate that clipping occurs at the higher impact speeds even with 
sensors of a fairly wide range. It requested that the agency make an 
allowance in the rule for the possibility of reduced accelerometer 
accuracy resulting from data clipping.
    In the January 2008 final rule, we relaxed the required 
accelerometer resolution capability because we recognized that current 
EDR technology would not achieve acceleration data element resolutions 
of 0.01 g. We agreed that there would be no significant loss in 
acceleration data quality if the acceleration resolution was revised to 
0.5 g. However, we did not adopt the Alliance proposal for data element 
resolution, favoring instead a set resolution of 0.5 g. Our reasoning 
for adopting this set resolution limit was that we intended to 
standardize EDR output data. We believed that adopting the Alliance 
proposal would encourage a proliferation of acceleration data element 
output resolutions rather than a standardized single reported 
resolution.
    At that time, we believed that the revised acceleration data 
element accuracy and resolution requirements would provide sufficient 
relief to avoid any unnecessary rise in manufacturing costs. We did not 
fully anticipate the effects of sensor saturation or clipping on the 
choice of accelerometer ranges to comply with the EDR rule. However, 
because of this clipping, manufacturers that wished to continue 
capturing acceleration data would be left with no alternative but to 
increase the sensing range of accelerometers beyond what is practical 
for EDRs. This, in part, contributed to the Alliance request to either 
remove the acceleration data elements or revise the acceleration data 
element resolution requirements.
    The data presented by the petitioners and during the ex parte 
meeting with GM indicated that clipping can occur for brief periods 
even during Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208, 
``Occupant crash protection,'' compliance testing. It is during these 
brief periods that the accuracy of the acceleration measurement cannot 
be maintained within  10 percent. The Alliance and the AIAM 
commented that the only countermeasure available to manufacturers to 
solve the clipping problem would be to expand the range of the 
accelerometers such that any clipping or saturation would be minimized. 
The AORC comments supported these claims. The petitioners suggested 
that the trade-off in expanding the accelerometer detection range is a 
decreased sensitivity which could negatively affect the performance of 
air bag systems.

[[Page 47481]]

    One of the primary concerns the agency considered in developing 
this final rule was to ensure that air bags continue to deploy 
properly. We did not intend to require the data element accuracies 
listed in Table III to extend beyond the capabilities of the sensors 
used in EDRs, specifically in sensors that are designed to meet 
critical safety roles and optimized for those purposes. Likewise, we 
find the Alliance comments on filtering and phase-shifting persuasive. 
However, we wish to continue collecting accelerometer data so that the 
agency might better understand crash scenarios and deployment decisions 
made during crashes. Based on our evaluation of these comments, in lieu 
of removing acceleration from Part 563, we have instead decided to 
remove the reporting specifications for acceleration data elements in 
Table III, including minimum range, accuracy and resolution.
    We have also added a provision for the EDR report to indicate when 
sensor clipping has occurred. We believe that an indicator of when 
inertial sensors have become saturated during a crash will aid the 
agency in understanding when measurements from the sensors have begun 
to exceed their design ranges, and potentially exceed the accuracy 
requirements in Part 563. The manner by which clipping is indicated is 
at the option of the manufacturer.\9\ This appears as Footnote 1 in 
Table III.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ Examples of possible indicators would be a flag on the 
acceleration measurement trace, or a new report field indicating 
when clipping began from time zero.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We believe that through our actions, manufacturers may continue to 
use current EDR technologies and not incur any significant cost 
increases due to use of extended accelerometer ranges. We have 
determined that the acceleration data element is important to the 
agency's data collection goals. Therefore, we wish to continue 
receiving the ``reported'' acceleration data, regardless of the format 
with which it is captured.
    As such, we have revised the acceleration data elements reported by 
the download tool and the accuracy of the acceleration data elements to 
be at the option of the manufacturer. For example, if a vehicle 
manufacturer elected to record 70 msec of acceleration data at 2 msec 
time increments with an accuracy of  0.5 g, we would expect 
the reported acceleration data to follow that format. We believe that 
this would alleviate concerns about certification accuracies, while 
preserving a means of reporting acceleration data from the EDR for 
crash reconstruction purposes.
    We acknowledge that in making this change, the reported 
acceleration output would not be standardized among EDRs. The duration 
of the reported output and the resolution may vary depending upon the 
EDR design of the vehicle. However, given the aforementioned concerns, 
having acceleration data reported by the download tool with an 
indicator of when sensor clipping or saturation occurs, would assist 
crash reconstructionists with a means of computing a momentum balance 
on the crash event and provide a better understanding of vehicle crash 
behavior. Furthermore, the agency plans to monitor the acceleration 
reported by the EDR download tool through various means, including 
comparing the reported output with a differentiated delta-V time 
history, and/or by comparing the reported output to laboratory 
instrumentation during crash tests. This information will allow the 
agency to better understand the significance and variation of data 
clipping and filtering experienced in recorded acceleration data. If 
the agency finds that the acceleration information from the EDR is not 
useful as reported, we may revisit the need for further 
standardization.
    Thus, for the reasons discussed above, we are denying the petition 
to delete the acceleration data elements from part 563. We do not 
believe it unreasonable to report acceleration data during download if 
a manufacturer voluntarily records acceleration data during a crash. It 
would also mitigate data storage concerns since no additional storage 
would be required by the EDR over what has already been established in 
the design of the EDR.

B. The Effects of Data Clipping on Delta-V Calculation and Accuracy

    The Alliance agreed that data clipping is a rare occurrence in real 
world conditions, but that during the FMVSS No. 208 tests that will be 
used to determine if EDRs have met the requirements in Part 563, there 
may exist brief periods of deceleration that can exceed 100 g. It 
recommended that the agency revise the delta-V accuracy requirement to 
 10 percent for events in which no sensor saturation or 
data clipping occurs.
    Agency Response: In the January 14, 2008 final rule, we denied 
petitions to allow additional inaccuracy due to sensor saturation or 
data clipping. Our belief at that time was that

    * * * in certain rare extreme crash scenarios, the crash pulse 
may exceed the sensor detection capacity and result in data 
saturation, even in sensors that have been optimized for their given 
purpose. In these situations, the crash pulse may cause additional 
reported data inaccuracy or clipping; however, by doubling the 
tolerance on the acceleration data, we believe this has been 
sufficiently addressed.\10\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ See 73 FR 2174.

    We believed then that the revised data element accuracy and 
resolution requirements would provide sufficient relief to avoid any 
unnecessary rise in manufacturing costs, but we did not fully 
anticipate the effects of sensor saturation or clipping on the choice 
of sensor ranges to comply with the EDR rule. Since we do not wish at 
this time to force manufacturers to increase the range of sensors 
beyond what is optimal for air bag performance, we have added a 
footnote to the data element accuracy requirement in Table III to apply 
only within the range of the physical sensor utilized by the EDR. This 
would be a minimum output range of -100 km/h to +100 km/h. We note that 
previous agency research \11\ has shown that the delta-V data collected 
from EDRs during FMVSS No. 208 crash tests are reliable and accurate 
when compared with the delta-V data collected from reference sensors in 
the laboratory. We believe that the additional requirement for a sensor 
saturation or data clipping indicator will aid the agency in 
understanding when such measurements exceed the range of the sensor.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ Niehoff, P., Gabler, H.C., Brophy, J., Chidester, C., 
Hinch, J., Ragland, C., (2005), ``Evaluation of Event Data Recorders 
in Full Systems Crash Tests,'' Paper No. 05-0271, 19th International 
Technical Conference on Enhanced Saftey of Vehicles, U.S. DOT.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

C. Incorporation of Preamble Explanations in Regulatory Text

    The Alliance identified two items that were clarified in the 
preamble to the January 14, 2008 final rule, but not reflected in the 
regulatory text: exclusion of peripheral sensors from the scope of Part 
563, and clarification of recording closely timed subsequent events 
when the EDR power source is damaged. The AIAM similarly petitioned 
that the agency clarify the requirements for storage and locking of 
data from air bag deployment events.
1. Exclusion of Peripheral Sensors
    In support of the agency's position on exclusion of peripheral 
sensors, we stated the following in the January 2008 final rule:

    In the final rule, the agency expressed its intent for the EDR 
to capture the rigid body motion of vehicles in crashes. As the 
petitioners noted, the rigid body motion is

[[Page 47482]]

best captured by collecting data centrally located in the occupant 
compartment of the vehicle. Data from satellite or peripheral 
sensors are not used for these purposes, but rather help the air bag 
control module and other occupant protection systems to perform 
optimally. We recognize that sensors located in vehicles' crushable 
zones may not meet the survivability standards set forth in the 
final rule, and therefore exclude them from those standards.\12\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ See 73 FR 2175.

    The Alliance petitioned the agency to add the following text to the 
end of Sec.  563.6, ``Requirements for Vehicles,'' as follows: 
``Peripheral sensors that do not produce `rigid body' centroid 
acceleration signals are excluded from the requirements of this part.''
    Agency Response: We are denying the Alliance request to add this 
exclusion to Part 563. We believe that our definitions in the 
regulatory text are sufficiently clear. We understand, since this rule 
was first promulgated, manufacturers have adopted sophisticated sensing 
strategies to determine when air bag deployments are warranted. 
Moreover, we also understand vehicle electrical architectures have 
become more sophisticated and data from these peripheral sensors may be 
captured and ``recorded in non-volatile memory'' in the event of crash. 
It was not our intent to capture this level of data when we first began 
the EDR rulemaking, nor was it considered. Given the sophistication of 
EDRs at that time, it was our intent to capture data as collected by 
the restraint control module located inside the vehicle. However, we 
note that the Alliance concerns are partially addressed through our 
actions to remove the time interval, range, and accuracy requirements 
for accelerometer measurements. By removing the requirements for 
acceleration measurements, any peripheral acceleration data \13\ 
collected by an EDR is at the option of the manufacturer. We believe 
that these revisions will relieve reporting requirements for any data 
from peripheral accelerometers on the vehicle.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ For example, we note that some manufacturers have begun 
collecting acceleration data at the A, B, and C-pillar locations for 
lateral deployment decisions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Damage to EDR Power Source
    In the January 2008 final rule, we stated the following with regard 
to damaged EDR power sources and the recording of subsequent events:

    We agree with AIAM that subsequent events need not be recorded 
if the external power source and sensors are damaged in the first 
event, but we do not believe that a change to the regulatory text is 
necessary. The regulation does not contain test requirements to 
determine if an EDR could survive two consecutive severe crashes. 
For the test requirements which are included, if an event is severe 
enough to interrupt the power source to the EDR, the EDR must be 
able to finish capturing that event, but is not required to be in a 
condition such that it could capture subsequent events.\14\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ See 73 FR 2171.

    The Alliance requested that the agency amend Sec.  563.9 to clarify 
the agency's intent with regard to power sources damaged in a first 
event by adding the following new paragraph (c) stating: ``If power 
source(s) or sensor(s) are damaged during an initial event, it is not 
necessary to record data associated with subsequent event(s).'' The 
Alliance commented that NHTSA's test procedures have historically 
stated that the absence of a test provision from the agency's 
procedures does not exempt manufacturers from their obligation to meet 
all requirements specified in the standard.
    Agency Response: We are denying this petition. We are not compelled 
by the petitioner's rationale to add the requested language to the 
regulatory text. Part 563 does not contain multi-impact test procedures 
for determining what would constitute ``damage'' to the power source or 
other sensors.
3. Clarification of the Storage and Locking of Data From Air Bag 
Deployment Events
    The AIAM petitioned the agency to clarify the requirements for 
storage and locking of data from air bag deployment events. It 
interpreted the August 2006 final rule as meaning that once data from 
an air bag deployment event has been stored and locked, it is not 
necessary to record a subsequent event, but if no air bag is deployed 
in the first event, two events could be stored. It cited Sec.  
563.9(a), which states that, in a frontal or side air bag deployment 
crash, an EDR must capture and record the current deployment data, ``up 
to two events,'' and that the memory for each air bag deployment event 
must be locked to prevent any future overwriting of these data. The 
AIAM stated that this could be read to mean that the EDR must be 
capable of recording up to two air bag deployments, which would be a 
departure from the intent of the August 2006 final rule. The AIAM 
petitioned the agency to explain its rationale and include a resulting 
cost estimate analysis, if the agency intends to adopt such a change.
    Agency Response: The AIAM correctly interpreted Sec.  563.9(a) to 
mean that after the EDR has captured, recorded, and locked data from an 
air bag deployment event, the EDR is not required to record any 
subsequent events. In the preamble to the August 2006 final rule, we 
stated: ``If the first event is the deployment of an inflatable 
restraint, these data are recorded to memory and the file is locked. No 
further analyses (i.e., looking for subsequent triggers) or recording 
occurs.'' \15\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ See 71 FR 51019.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We noted in the preamble to the August 2006 final rule that while 
not required to do so, an EDR may capture multi-event data during a 
crash that involves an air bag deployment. To clarify the issue, we 
have amended Sec.  563.9(a) by removing the phrase ``up to two 
events,'' and we have clarified the language regarding side air bag 
deployment crashes (as discussed in section H. below). The paragraph 
now states ``In a frontal air bag deployment crash, capture and record 
the current deployment data. In a side or side curtain/tube air bag 
deployment crash, where lateral delta-V is recorded by the EDR, capture 
and record the current deployment data. The memory for the air bag 
deployment event must be locked to prevent any future overwriting of 
the data.'' Thus, any frontal air bag deployment, or any side, or side 
curtain/tube air bag deployment where lateral delta-V is recorded by 
the EDR, would not require the EDR to record a second, subsequent 
event, although it would allow such recording. We note that the phrase 
``up to two events'' remains in Sec.  563.9(b) and so there continues 
to be an obligation to record multiple non-air bag deployment events.

D. Time Zero for Events Involving Other Non-Reversible Deployment of 
Restraints

    The AIAM commented that the January 2008 final rule does not 
explicitly state how ``time zero'' would be determined in the case of a 
non-reversible restraint that is deployed despite a crash that does not 
meet the ``trigger threshold.'' It recommended that the agency clarify 
the definition for ``time zero'' to include other types of non-
reversible deployable restraints (e.g., pyrotechnic pretensioners). 
Additionally, it recommended that the definition for ``event'' include 
other non-reversible deployable devices. Specifically, the AIAM 
proposed defining ``event'' as ``a crash or other physical occurrence 
that causes the trigger threshold to be met or exceeded, or an air bag 
or other non-reversible deployable device to be deployed, whichever 
occurs first.'' AIAM

[[Page 47483]]

proposed including ``deployment of another type of non-reversible 
deployable device'' in the definition of ``time zero.''
    Agency Response: We agree with the need to change the definition of 
event to include other non-reversible deployable devices. However, we 
have used the word ``restraint'' rather than ``device'' in order to 
maintain the focus on occupant protection. Such non-reversible 
deployable restraints would be inclusive of frontal, side and side 
curtain/tube air bags, but also could include devices such as knee air 
bags and pretentioners. We believe this change is needed to make the 
definition of event consistent with the data recording triggers found 
in Sec.  563.9(a) and (b). In the January 2008 final rule, the agency 
carefully considered the definition of an event. We agreed with the 
industry that an air bag deployment could be considered an event 
trigger, but were concerned about proliferation of trigger threshold 
strategies that would lock the data and prevent capture of subsequent 
crashes in which an air bag is deployed. For purposes of Sec.  563.9(a) 
as currently written, we are primarily interested in the collection of 
EDR data from high delta-V crashes. We ultimately decided that frontal 
and side air bag deployments were consistent with our intent and did 
not extend this to other types of deployable restraints. We continue to 
believe that Sec.  563.9(a) is clear in stating that the locked 
recorded data should be tied to a high delta-V event by virtue of a 
frontal or side air bag deployment. However, to further clarify that 
other non-reversible deployable restraints are considered events, i.e., 
those covered by Sec.  563.9(b), we have amended the definition of 
``event'' as follows: ``Event means a crash or other physical 
occurrence that causes the trigger threshold to be met or exceeded, or 
any non-reversible deployable restraint to be deployed, whichever 
occurs first.'' Consistent with this, we address clarification of Sec.  
563.9 later in this document.
    We further believe that Part 563 is clear that algorithm wake-up 
strategies, and thus time zero, are at the option of the manufacturer. 
These wake-up strategies may include such things as pretensioner 
activation, or other non-air bag related deployments. However, to 
address the AIAM concern and to clarify our strategy, we have replaced 
``an air bag deployment'' in the definition of ``time zero'' with 
``deployment of a non-reversible deployable restraint.''

E. Clarification of the Definition for End of Event

    The AIAM commented that the definition for end of event does not 
specify which delta-V mode(s) should be used to determine the end of 
the event. It noted that many vehicles measure both longitudinal and 
lateral delta-V, and in some cases can measure both concurrently as one 
multi-directional event. Our definition for end of event states `` * * 
* the moment at which the cumulative delta-V within a 20 ms time period 
becomes 0.8 km/h (0.5 mph) or less * * *'' but does not define the 
direction of the delta-V mode. Additionally, the AIAM commented that 
the definition is not clear as to which of the criteria to use to 
determine the end of the event, i.e., the cumulative delta-V or the 
algorithm reset. It stated that the event should end based on the later 
of the two end of event conditions being met. It requested that the 
agency revise the definition to clarify how the end of event should be 
determined.
    The AORC also commented that the regulatory text does not specify 
if the end of event criteria includes both longitudinal and lateral 
delta-V components. It stated that both lateral and longitudinal should 
be used if available.
    Agency Response: In development of the August 2006 final rule, the 
agency was mainly focused on events involving frontal impacts since 
those types of impacts represent most of the crashes investigated. 
Therefore, the agency originally intended to specify that the end of 
event is determined by a drop in the longitudinal delta-V component, as 
evidenced by our requirement for EDRs to capture the longitudinal 
delta-V component, but making the lateral delta-V component an optional 
data element.
    In responding to the petitions for reconsideration to the August 
2006 final rule, the agency agreed that deployment of a frontal or side 
air bag could be considered an event trigger. This consideration 
required changes in the definitions (e.g., event, time zero, and end of 
event) that relate to how the event recording interval is determined. 
However, we inadvertently neglected to consider how measurement of 
lateral delta-V would impact the determination of when an event has 
ended.
    We have carefully considered the comments of the AIAM and the AORC 
and agree that the definition for the end of an event must account for 
the directional component of the delta-V measurement. Therefore, we 
have revised the definition of end of event time to mean ``the moment 
at which the resultant cumulative delta-V within a 20 ms time period 
becomes 0.8 km/h (0.5 mph) or less, or the moment at which the crash 
detection algorithm of the air bag control unit resets.'' (Emphasis 
added). We believe adopting this change will provide the manufacturers 
with necessary clarity on determining when an event has ended.

F. Clarification of Frontal Air Bag Suppression Switch Status

    The Alliance commented that the data element in Table II for the 
frontal air bag suppression switch status appears to only apply to 
vehicles equipped with manual frontal air bag suppression switches. It 
asked that the agency confirm this interpretation.
    Agency Response: We agree that the suppression switch status data 
element only applies to vehicles equipped with manual frontal air bag 
suppression switches and is meant to indicate the position of a manual 
frontal air bag suppression switch at the time of the event as 
designated in S4.5.4 of FMVSS No. 208.

G. Compliance Test Procedures

    The Alliance requested that the agency develop and publish a test 
procedure for compliance with Part 563 as soon as possible. It 
suggested that a test procedure would have the potential to elaborate 
and clarify the regulatory requirements. It provided the example of 
computing the delta-V accuracy requirement as an example of how this 
would be helpful. It commented that it is not clear if the requirement 
applies to point-by-point delta-V data, or the average of delta-V data 
over the 250 ms interval, or to the cumulative delta-V at the end point 
of 250 ms. It suggested that the accuracy requirement be a root mean 
square average of the recorded delta-V values. The Alliance stated that 
the publication of a test procedure could resolve this and other 
issues.
    The AORC suggested that the accuracy could be evaluated based on 10 
percent of the full scale range of the physical application sensor and 
would be evaluated after applying filtering and range characteristics 
of the physical application sensor to the reference data.
    Agency Response: In developing the agency's compliance crash test 
procedure for Part 563, the agency considered the various methods 
proposed by the petitioners in evaluating delta-V accuracy. The agency 
found that a delta-V accuracy requirement applied on a point-by-point 
basis proved to be suitably repeatable. This was based on testing that 
NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) conducted with a 
pair of triaxial accelerometers installed on, and near,

[[Page 47484]]

the EDR during frontal crash tests. The computed delta-V from these 
accelerometers provided the agency with signals that could be directly 
compared to the delta-V measured by the EDR. The results of these tests 
demonstrated a sufficient correlation with the two laboratory sensors 
and a means for testing compliance.\16\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ A full analysis of the correlation tests will be provided 
in the docket for this notice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NHTSA has published the Part 563 test procedure in response to this 
request.

H. Data Capture for Events Involving Side Air Bags

    The AIAM recommended that the agency clarify its intent with regard 
to the capture and lock of data collected from a side air bag versus a 
side curtain/tube air bag. It recommended that section 563.9(a) be 
clarified to include explicit reference to the separate definitions for 
side air bags and side curtain/tube air bags. It commented that because 
of the separate definitions for side and side curtain/tube air bags in 
Sec.  563.5(b), a manufacturer could interpret Sec.  563.9 to regulate 
crash events involving only a side air bag. It added that this appears 
to be at odds with the definition for ``time zero'' which cites that an 
EDR must capture any crash event that deploys any air bag (front, side, 
or side curtain/tube).
    Agency Response: We concur with clarifying the applicability of 
Sec.  563.9(a) as suggested by the AIAM. The agency intended for Sec.  
563.9(a) to capture air bag deployments in frontal crashes or side 
crashes that involve either side or side curtain/tube air bags. We 
consider the definitions for ``side air bag'' and ``side curtain/tube 
air bag'' in Sec.  563.5(b) to be subsets of inflatable occupant 
restraint devices designed to be deployed in any side impact crash or 
rollover event. Therefore, a ``side curtain/tube air bag'' would simply 
be a specific type of ``side air bag,'' and as such would be subject to 
the requirements of Sec.  563.9(a).
    We have also since recognized that it may not be appropriate to 
require the locking of a side or side curtain/tube air bag deployment 
event when the lateral delta-V information is not recorded. For 
example, in the case of a purely lateral crash, an EDR that minimally 
complies with Part 563 would not record any of the lateral crash 
information that would be useful for reconstructing a side impact 
event. It would also lock the frontal data element information relative 
to this side impact event in memory and would require the consumer to 
repair (or reset) the EDR, if the consumer would like to restore the 
ability to record 2 events in the future.
    Therefore, to clarify our intent in the final rule, we are amending 
Sec.  563.9(a) to read as follows:

    In a frontal air bag deployment crash, capture and record the 
current deployment data. In a side or side curtain/tube air bag 
deployment crash, where lateral delta-V is recorded by the EDR, 
capture and record the current deployment data. The memory for the 
air bag deployment event must be locked to prevent any future 
overwriting of the data.

I. Prevention of EDR Data Tampering

    In response to the August 2006 final rule, Mr. Thomas Kowalick 
submitted a petition requesting that the agency require manufacturers 
to provide mechanical locks for the on-board diagnostic (OBD2) port for 
the sole use and control of the owner/operator of the vehicle. In 
response to his 2006 petition for reconsideration, the agency stated 
that while Mr. Kowalick presented information that devices exist that 
may be used to erase or tamper with EDR data, he did not provide any 
information that these devices were in fact being used for this 
purpose. We concluded that there were several other ways (e.g., door 
locks, ignition keys) that protect access to the OBD2 port. Further, we 
required that EDR data from a crash that involves an air bag deployment 
be locked to prevent overwriting of these data.
    In response to the January 2008 final rule, Mr. Kowalick again 
petitioned the agency to reconsider a mechanical lockout system for the 
download port of EDRs that could only be accessed by the owner of the 
vehicle. He again submitted information that indicates that devices are 
being offered to consumers to alter odometer readings, erase EDR data, 
or prevent EDR data from being recorded by the vehicle. Mr. Kowalick 
cited the agency position that if tampering were to become apparent, 
then the agency would reconsider its position on the tampering issue. 
He commented that the agency should reconsider its denial of a 
requirement for a mechanical lockout tool because the current rule is 
inadequate to protect vehicle owners and operators from tampering, and 
because the agency did not provide a definition for the term ``lock.''
    Agency Response: We are denying this petition. Despite the 
purported availability of such devices, we have still not seen evidence 
of tampering during our real world data collections, and the petitioner 
provided no new information that would suggest that we should 
reconsider our previous denial of this request. We note that the 
preponderance of information submitted by Messrs. Kowalick, Rosenbluth, 
and Thompson \17\ dealt with odometer fraud issues which are outside 
the scope of this rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ After the end of the period to submit petitions for 
reconsideration of the January 2008 final rule, two private 
individuals, Mr. William Rosenbluth (Docket No. NHTSA-2008-0004-
0012) and Dr. W. David Thompson (Docket No. NHTSA-2008-0004-0013), 
submitted comments in support of Mr. Kowalick's petition. We have 
opted to address their comments herein.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Further, we do not believe that the rule is inadequate to protect 
vehicle owners/operators from data tampering. Mr. Kowalick commented 
that the agency should require a mechanical lockout device to be 
installed on the OBD2 port. We clearly state in Sec.  563.9(a) that 
``the memory for each air bag deployment event must be locked to 
prevent any future overwriting of these data.'' We further clarified 
the meaning of ``locked'' in the preamble by stating that we consider 
it to be ``to protect EDR data from changes or deletion.'' We note that 
there are many strategies which may be utilized to ``lock'' data to 
prevent overwriting in addition to the mechanical lock Mr. Kowalick 
proposed. In fact, Mr. Rosenbluth highlights one example as the writing 
of data to Electrically Programmable Read Only Memory, which ``is not 
electrically changeable,'' to prevent EDR data from being erased or 
tampered with after a crash. We do not wish to restrict the method by 
which a vehicle manufacturer chooses to lock EDR data collected during 
a crash. Therefore, we are denying the petition to require mechanical 
locks for the OBD2 port.

K. Other Technical Corrections

    The Alliance, the AIAM, the AORC and Bosch commented on several 
technical and editorial corrections to clarify the regulatory text as 
follows:
    1. The AIAM commented that section 563.9(b) should be clarified to 
more clearly state that only air bag deployment event data should be 
locked after capture. The AIAM believes the intent of the agency was to 
require data from only air bag deployment events to be locked, rather 
than events that involve other types of deployable restraint systems. 
It commented that the regulatory language could be misinterpreted and 
recommended that Sec.  563.9(b) be revised.
    The AORC commented that Sec.  563.9(b) appears to be inconsistent 
with the definition of an event. It interpreted this clause to mean 
that a deployment of a restraint other than an air bag may be treated 
as a trigger at the option of the manufacturer.

[[Page 47485]]

    Agency Response: We concur with the AORC interpretation of Sec.  
563.9(b) that the deployment of a restraint other than an air bag may 
be treated as an EDR trigger at the option of the manufacturer. We 
agree that Sec.  563.9(b) could be misinterpreted to mean that in an 
event that involves both an air bag and another type of deployable 
restraint, the captured data would not need to be locked. Similarly, we 
concur with the AIAM that Sec.  563.9(b) could be misinterpreted to 
require the EDR to lock data from crashes in which an air bag was not 
deployed, but other deployable restraint systems were activated. We 
intended for EDRs to record and lock data from frontal, side, and side 
curtain/tube air bag deployment events, but data from events that do 
not deploy a frontal, side, or side curtain/tube air bag could be 
captured and recorded at the option of the manufacturer subject to the 
conditions in Sec.  563.9(b). For this reason, we have revised Sec.  
563.9(b) as shown below. We note that the inclusion of ``trigger 
threshold'' has been removed since exceeding the trigger threshold is 
by definition an event. Similarly, all other ``events'' not captured in 
Sec.  563.9(a), must be captured, subject to the conditions in Sec.  
563.9(b).

    (b) In an event that does not meet the criteria in Sec.  
563.9(a), capture and record the current event data, up to two 
events, subject to the following conditions:
    (1) If an EDR non-volatile memory buffer void of previous-event 
data is available, the current event data is recorded in the buffer.
    (2) If an EDR non-volatile memory buffer void of previous-event 
data is not available, the manufacturer may choose to either 
overwrite any previous event data that does not deploy an air bag 
with the current event data, or to not record the current event 
data.
    (3) EDR buffers containing previous frontal, side, or side 
curtain/tube air bag deployment-event data must not be overwritten 
by the current event data.

    2. In the definitions set forth in Sec.  563.5(b), the Alliance 
recommended that the definition for occupant size classification be 
clarified from a driver as not being ``of small stature'' to ``larger 
than a 5th percentile female (as defined in 49 CFR part 572, subpart 
O),'' and a ``child'' as that defined in 49 CFR part 572, subpart N (6 
year old child). It proposed the following definition:

    Occupant size classification means, for the right front 
passenger, the classification of the occupant as a child and not an 
adult, as defined in 49 CFR part 572, subpart N, and for the driver, 
the classification of the driver as being as large or larger than a 
5th percentile female (as defined in 49 CFR part 572, subpart O).

    The Alliance also noted that the occupant classification data 
elements differ between Tables II and III. It recommended that the 
agency standardize the occupant classification data elements in Tables 
II and III to make Part 563 more objective.

    Agency Response: We agree with adding more clarity to the Occupant 
size classification definition to reflect the occupant size categories 
used in testing the suppression of air bags in FMVSS No. 208. We 
amended the definition as: ``Occupant size classification means, for 
the right front passenger, the classification of the occupant as a 
child (as defined in 49 CFR part 572, subpart N or smaller) or not as 
an adult (as defined in 49 CFR part 572, subpart O), and for the 
driver, the classification of the driver as being a 5th percentile 
female (as defined in 49 CFR part 572, subpart O) or larger.'' We also 
concur that the differences in occupant classification data elements in 
Tables II and III were typographical errors and have made these 
editorial corrections in the regulatory text.
    3. The Alliance recommended that the word ``status'' be inserted 
after ``foremost'' in the right front passenger seat track position 
data element in Table II.
    Agency Response: We concur with this change. The word ``status'' is 
used in the companion data element in Table II for the driver and was 
originally part of the 2006 final rule. This was inadvertently dropped 
in the 2008 final rule. We have made this editorial correction to Table 
II.
    4. The Alliance recommended that the requirement in Table III for 
the service brake status and ABS activity be revised to read: ``On or 
Off.''
    Agency Response: We concur. These are listed presently as ``On and 
Off.'' However, ``On or Off'' is the correct way to list these options. 
We have made the editorial corrections to Table III and to the 
definition of ``Service brake, on and off'' in Sec.  563.5.
    5. The Alliance recommended that the requirement in Table III for 
stability control be revised to read: ``On, Off, or Engaged.''
    Agency Response: We concur. This is presently listed as ``On, Off, 
Engaged.'' However, we intended for these three states to be offered as 
options. Therefore, we have made the requested editorial correction to 
Table III and Table II.
    6. The AIAM recommended that the agency clarify the data element in 
Table I for ``Multi-event, number of event.'' It stated it is unclear 
if the status is used to indicate that there were 1 or 2 events, or if 
the status is used to indicate which event is being stored, (e.g., 
event 1 of 2 or event 2 of 2). It interpreted this to mean that two 
events should be stored only in the case of a multi-event crash 
situation.
    Agency Response: We agree that the data element in Table I needs 
clarification. We intended for the ``multi-event'' data element in 
Table I to indicate which event is being stored. In Sec.  563.5(b), we 
defined a multi-event crash as ``the occurrence of 2 events, the first 
and last of which begin not more than 5 seconds apart.'' We note that 
in the case of a single event, the multi-event data element would then 
report a ``1.'' In the case of a multiple event, during the first 
event, the EDR would not yet know that the second event is going to 
occur. Therefore, the data from the first event would still report a 
``1'' for the multi-event data element. Any data captured from the 
subsequent event would then report a ``2'' for the multi-event data 
element and the time from event 1 to 2. To clarify this, we have 
amended the multi-event data element in Table I to be ``Multi-event, 
number of event'' by removing the ``(1, 2).'' We have also revised this 
nomenclature in Table III.
    7. The AORC requested that the agency clarify that upon locking of 
data from an event, the ``lock'' may be applied to either the data from 
the individual event or the entire EDR at the option of the 
manufacturer.
    Agency Response: The January 2008 final rule revised Sec.  563.9(a) 
to require that ``the memory for each air bag deployment event must be 
locked to prevent any future overwriting of these data.'' We further 
clarified the meaning of ``locked'' in the preamble (73 FR 2172) by 
stating that we consider it to be ``to protect EDR data from changes or 
deletion.'' We agree that either strategy suggested by the AORC may be 
employed to lock the EDR data provided that the minimum conditions 
within Sec.  563.9 have been met.
    8. The AORC requested that the agency clarify that acceleration and 
angular rate data recorded in accordance with Table II represents 
single sample (raw) data rather than time-averaged data.
    Agency Response: Our understanding of the acceleration data 
reported by current EDRs is that the data is time-averaged for 
deployment decisions. However, as previously discussed, we have amended 
the requirements for the acceleration data elements to be at the option 
of the vehicle manufacturer. We note that part 563 does not regulate 
``angular rate'' data. Rather, it specifies limits for ``vehicle roll 
angle'' data. We believe that this data element is time-averaged data.

[[Page 47486]]

    9. The AORC commented that in newer active steering systems the 
steering wheel angle and the tire position may not correlate. 
Additionally, Bosch commented that the Table III accuracy and 
resolution requirements for the steering input data element are 
inconsistent with other data elements. It recommended that the agency 
revise the range definition for this data element to  100 
percent.
    Agency Response: In response to the petitioners, we have revised 
the minimum range requirement for the ``Steering input'' data element 
from -250 degrees CW to 250 degrees CCW to a value of  100 
percent in Table III. We agree with Bosch that this change would be 
more consistent with the accuracy and resolution requirements being 
expressed as percentages. We also believe this change will better 
address state of the art active steering systems noted by the AORC.
    10. Bosch commented that current EDR designs often utilize two 
different types of lateral acceleration sensors: a high-g sensor 
( 50 g) to detect side impact events, and a low-g sensor 
( 5 g) to detect rollover events. It interpreted that the 
final rule is mainly concerned with side impact events, and recommend 
that the agency revise the lateral acceleration data element range to 
 50 g.
    Agency Response: We agree that current EDR designs may utilize two 
different types of lateral acceleration sensors for side impact and 
rollover events. However, for the reasons discussed previously, we have 
amended the minimum range requirements to be at the option of the 
manufacturer.
    11. Other editorial corrections: We have revised the data element 
descriptions (first column) in Table III to remove references to the 
data range since Table III already references the range for each of the 
data elements.

IV. Rulemaking Analyses and Notices

    This rule makes several technical changes to the regulatory text of 
49 CFR part 563, and does not increase the regulatory burden of 
manufacturers. The agency has discussed the relevant requirements of 
the Vehicle Safety Act, Executive Order 12866, the Department of 
Transportation's regulatory policies and procedures, the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act, Executive Order 13132 (Federalism), Executive Order 
12988 (Civil Justice Reform), Executive Order 13045 (Protection of 
Children from Health and Safety Risks), the Paperwork Reduction Act, 
the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act, Unfunded Mandates 
Reform Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act in the August 
2006 final rule cited above. Those discussions are not affected by 
these technical changes.

Privacy Act

    Please note that anyone is able to search the electronic form of 
all documents received into any of our dockets by the name of the 
individual submitting the document (or signing the document, if 
submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal 
Register published on April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 
19477-78), or you may visit http://www.dot.gov/privacy.html.

V. Regulatory Text

List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 563

    Motor vehicle safety, Motor vehicles, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

    In consideration of the foregoing, part 563 is amended as follows:

PART 563--EVENT DATA RECORDERS

0
1. The authority citation for Part 563 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 322, 30101, 30111, 30115, 30117, 30166, 
30168; delegation of authority at 49 CFR 1.50.


0
2. Amend paragraph (b) of Sec.  563.5 by revising the definitions of 
``end of event time,'' ``event,'' ``occupant size classification,'' and 
``time zero,'' removing the definition of ``service brake, on and 
off'', and adding a definition in alphabetical order for ``service 
brake, on or off'' to read as follows:


Sec.  563.5  Definitions.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    End of event time means the moment at which the resultant 
cumulative delta-V within a 20 ms time period becomes 0.8 km/h (0.5 
mph) or less, or the moment at which the crash detection algorithm of 
the air bag control unit resets.
* * * * *
    Event means a crash or other physical occurrence that causes the 
trigger threshold to be met or exceeded, or any non-reversible 
deployable restraint to be deployed, whichever occurs first.
* * * * *
    Occupant size classification means, for the right front passenger, 
the classification of the occupant as a child (as defined in 49 CFR 
part 572, subpart N or smaller) or not as an adult (as defined in 49 
CFR part 572, subpart O), and for the driver, the classification of the 
driver as being a 5th percentile female (as defined in 49 CFR Part 572, 
subpart O) or larger.
* * * * *
    Service brake, on or off means the status of the device that is 
installed in or connected to the brake pedal system to detect whether 
the pedal was pressed. The device can include the brake pedal switch or 
other driver-operated service brake control.
* * * * *
    Time zero means whichever of the following occurs first:
    (1) For systems with ``wake-up'' air bag control systems, the time 
at which the occupant restraint control algorithm is activated; or
    (2) For continuously running algorithms,
    (i) The first point in the interval where a longitudinal cumulative 
delta-V of over 0.8 km/h (0.5 mph) is reached within a 20 ms time 
period; or
    (ii) For vehicles that record ``delta-V, lateral,'' the first point 
in the interval where a lateral cumulative delta-V of over 0.8 km/h 
(0.5 mph) is reached within a 5 ms time period; or
    (3) Deployment of a non-reversible deployable restraint.
* * * * *

0
3. In Sec.  563.7, revise Table I in paragraph (a) and Table II in 
paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  563.7  Data elements.

    (a) * * *

  Table I--Data Elements Required for All Vehicles Equipped With an EDR
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 Recording interval/time    Data sample
          Data element            \1\ (relative to time    rate (samples
                                          zero)             per second)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Delta-V, longitudinal..........  0 to 250 ms or 0 to End             100
                                  of Event Time plus 30
                                  ms, whichever is
                                  shorter.

[[Page 47487]]

 
Maximum delta-V, longitudinal..  0-300 ms or 0 to End of             N/A
                                  Event Time plus 30 ms,
                                  whichever is shorter.
Time, maximum delta-V..........  0-300 ms or 0 to End of             N/A
                                  Event Time plus 30 ms,
                                  whichever is shorter.
Speed, vehicle indicated.......  -5.0 to 0 sec..........               2
Engine throttle, % full (or      -5.0 to 0 sec..........               2
 accelerator pedal, % full).
Service brake, on/off..........  -5.0 to 0 sec..........               2
Ignition cycle, crash..........  -1.0 sec...............             N/A
Ignition cycle, download.......  At time of download \3\             N/A
Safety belt status, driver.....  -1.0 sec...............             N/A
Frontal air bag warning lamp,    -1.0 sec...............             N/A
 on/off \2\.
Frontal air bag deployment,      Event..................             N/A
 time to deploy, in the case of
 a single stage air bag, or
 time to first stage
 deployment, in the case of a
 multi-stage air bag, driver.
Frontal air bag deployment,      Event..................             N/A
 time to deploy, in the case of
 a single stage air bag, or
 time to first stage
 deployment, in the case of a
 multi-stage air bag, right
 front passenger.
Multi-event, number of event...  Event..................             N/A
Time from event 1 to 2.........  As needed..............             N/A
Complete file recorded (yes,     Following other data...            N/A
 no).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Pre-crash data and crash data are asynchronous. The sample time
  accuracy requirement for pre-crash time is -0.1 to 1.0 sec (e.g., T =
  1 would need to occur between -1.1 and 0 seconds.)
\2\ The frontal air bag warning lamp is the readiness indicator
  specified in S4.5.2 of FMVSS No. 208, and may also illuminate to
  indicate a malfunction in another part of the deployable restraint
  system.
\3\ The ignition cycle at the time of download is not required to be
  recorded at the time of the crash, but shall be reported during the
  download process.

    (b) * * *

                Table II--Data Elements Required for Vehicles Under Specified Minimum Conditions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        Recording interval/time     Data sample
            Data element name             Condition for  requirement     \1\ (relative to time       rate (per
                                                                                 zero)                second)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lateral acceleration....................  If recorded \2\...........  N/A.......................             N/A
Longitudinal acceleration...............  If recorded...............  N/A.......................             N/A
Normal acceleration.....................  If recorded...............  N/A.......................             N/A
Delta-V, lateral........................  If recorded...............  0-250 ms or 0 to End of                100
                                                                       Event Time plus 30 ms,
                                                                       whichever is shorter.
Maximum delta-V, lateral................  If recorded...............  0-300 ms or 0 to End of                N/A
                                                                       Event Time plus 30 ms,
                                                                       whichever is shorter.
Time maximum delta-V, lateral...........  If recorded...............  0-300 ms or 0 to End of                N/A
                                                                       Event Time plus 30 ms,
                                                                       whichever is shorter.
Time for maximum delta-V, resultant.....  If recorded...............  0-300 ms or 0 to End of                N/A
                                                                       Event Time plus 30 ms,
                                                                       whichever is shorter.
Engine rpm..............................  If recorded...............  -5.0 to 0 sec.............               2
Vehicle roll angle......................  If recorded...............  -1.0 up to 5.0 sec \3\....              10
ABS activity (engaged, non-engaged).....  If recorded...............  -5.0 to 0 sec.............               2
Stability control (on, off, or engaged).  If recorded...............  -5.0 to 0 sec.............               2
Steering input..........................  If recorded...............  -5.0 to 0 sec.............               2
Safety belt status, right front           If recorded...............  -1.0 sec..................             N/A
 passenger (buckled, not buckled).
Frontal air bag suppression switch        If recorded...............  -1.0 sec..................             N/A
 status, right front passenger (on, off,
 or auto).
Frontal air bag deployment, time to nth   If equipped with a          Event.....................             N/A
 stage, driver \4\.                        driver's frontal air bag
                                           with a multi-stage
                                           inflator.
Frontal air bag deployment, time to nth   If equipped with a right    Event.....................             N/A
 stage, right front passenger \4\.         front passenger's frontal
                                           air bag with a multi-
                                           stage inflator.
Frontal air bag deployment, nth stage     If recorded...............  Event.....................             N/A
 disposal, driver, Y/N (whether the nth
 stage deployment was for occupant
 restraint or propellant disposal
 purposes).

[[Page 47488]]

 
Frontal air bag deployment, nth stage     If recorded...............  Event.....................             N/A
 disposal, right front passenger, Y/N
 (whether the nth stage deployment was
 for occupant restraint or propellant
 disposal purposes).
Side air bag deployment, time to deploy,  If recorded...............  Event.....................             N/A
 driver.
Side air bag deployment, time to deploy,  If recorded...............  Event.....................             N/A
 right front passenger.
Side curtain/tube air bag deployment,     If recorded...............  Event.....................             N/A
 time to deploy, driver side.
Side curtain/tube air bag deployment,     If recorded...............  Event.....................             N/A
 time to deploy, right side.
Pretensioner deployment, time to fire,    If recorded...............  Event.....................             N/A
 driver.
Pretensioner deployment, time to fire,    If recorded...............  Event.....................             N/A
 right front passenger.
Seat track position switch, foremost,     If recorded...............  -1.0 sec..................             N/A
 status, driver.
Seat track position switch, foremost,     If recorded...............  -1.0 sec..................             N/A
 status, right front passenger.
Occupant size classification, driver....  If recorded...............  -1.0 sec..................             N/A
Occupant size classification, right       If recorded...............  -1.0 sec..................             N/A
 front passenger.
Occupant position classification, driver  If recorded...............  -1.0 sec..................             N/A
Occupant position classification, right   If recorded...............  -1.0 sec..................            N/A
 front passenger.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Pre-crash data and crash data are asynchronous. The sample time accuracy requirement for pre-crash time is -
  0.1 to 1.0 sec (e.g. T = -1 would need to occur between -1.1 and 0 seconds.)
\2\ ``If recorded'' means if the data is recorded in non-volatile memory for the purpose of subsequent
  downloading.
\3\ ``vehicle roll angle'' may be recorded in any time duration; -1.0 sec to 5.0 sec is suggested.
\4\ List this element n - 1 times, once for each stage of a multi-stage air bag system.


0
4. In Sec.  563.8, revise Table III in paragraph (a) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  563.8  Data format

    (a) * * *

                                     Table III--Reported Data Element Format
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Data element                   Minimum range             Accuracy \1\              Resolution
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lateral acceleration.................  At option of             At option of             At option of
                                        manufacturer.            manufacturer.            manufacturer.
Longitudinal acceleration............  At option of             At option of             At option of
                                        manufacturer.            manufacturer.            manufacturer.
Normal Acceleration..................  At option of             At option of             At option of
                                        manufacturer.            manufacturer.            manufacturer.
Longitudinal delta-V.................  -100 km/h to + 100 km/h  +/-10%.................  1 km/h.
Lateral delta-V......................  -100 km/h to +100 km/h.  +/-10%.................  1 km/h.
Maximum delta-V, longitudinal........  -100 km/h to +100 km/h.  +/-10%.................  1 km/h.
Maximum delta-V, lateral.............  -100 km/h to +100 km/h.  +/-10%.................  1 km/h.
Time, maximum delta-V, longitudinal..  0-300 ms, or 0-End of    +/-3 ms................  2.5 ms.
                                        Event Time plus 30 ms,
                                        whichever is shorter.
Time, maximum delta-V, lateral.......  0-300 ms, or 0--End of   +/-3 ms................  2.5 ms.
                                        Event Time plus 30 ms,
                                        whichever is shorter.
Time, maximum delta-V, resultant.....  0-300 ms, or 0--End of   +/-3 ms................  2.5 ms.
                                        Event Time plus 30 ms,
                                        whichever is shorter.
Vehicle Roll Angle...................  -1080 deg to +1080 deg.  +/-10%.................  10 deg.
Speed, vehicle indicated.............  0 km/h to 200 km/h.....  +/-1 km/h..............  1 km/h.
Engine throttle, percent full          0 to 100%..............  +/-5%..................  1%.
 (accelerator pedal percent full).
Engine rpm...........................  0 to 10,000 rpm........  +/-100 rpm.............  100 rpm.
Service brake........................  On or Off..............  N/A....................  On or Off.
ABS activity.........................  On or Off..............  N/A....................  On or Off.
Stability control....................  On, Off, or Engaged....  N/A....................  On, Off, or Engaged.
Steering input.......................  +/-100%................  +/-5%..................  1%.
Ignition cycle, crash................  0 to 60,000............  +/-1 cycle.............  1 cycle.
Ignition cycle, download.............  0 to 60,000............  +/-1 cycle.............  1 cycle.
Safety belt status, driver...........  On or Off..............  N/A....................  On or Off.

[[Page 47489]]

 
Safety belt status, right front        On or Off..............  N/A....................  On or Off.
 passenger.
Frontal air bag warning lamp.........  On or Off..............  N/A....................  On or Off.
Frontal air bag suppression switch     On, Off, or Auto.......  N/A....................  On, Off, or Auto.
 status, right front passenger.
Frontal air bag deployment, time to    0 to 250 ms............  +/-2 ms................  1 ms.
 deploy/first stage, driver.
Frontal air bag deployment, time to    0 to 250 ms............  +/-2 ms................  1 ms.
 deploy/first stage, right front
 passenger.
Frontal air bag deployment, time to    0 to 250 ms............  +/-2 ms................  1 ms.
 nth stage, driver.
Frontal air bag deployment, time to    0 to 250 ms............  +/-2 ms................  1 ms.
 nth stage, right front passenger.
Frontal air bag deployment, nth stage  Yes or No..............  N/A....................  Yes or No.
 disposal, driver.
Frontal air bag deployment, nth stage  Yes or No..............  N/A....................  Yes or No.
 disposal, right front passenger.
Side air bag deployment, time to       0 to 250 ms............  +/-2 ms................  1 ms.
 deploy, driver.
Side air bag deployment, time to       0 to 250 ms............  +/-2 ms................  1 ms.
 deploy, right front passenger.
Side curtain/tube air bag deployment,  0 to 250 ms............  +/-2 ms................  1 ms.
 time to deploy, driver side.
Side curtain/tube air bag deployment,  0 to 250 ms............  +/-2 ms................  1 ms.
 time to deploy, right side.
Pretensioner deployment, time to       0 to 250 ms............  +/-2 ms................  1 ms.
 fire, driver.
Pretensioner deployment, time to       0 to 250 ms............  +/-2 ms................  1 ms.
 fire, right front passenger.
Seat track position switch, foremost,  Yes or No..............  N/A....................  Yes or No.
 status, driver.
Seat track position switch, foremost,  Yes or No..............  N/A....................  Yes or No.
 status, right front passenger.
Occupant size classification, driver.  5th percentile female    N/A....................  Yes or No.
                                        or larger.
Occupant size classification, right    Child..................  N/A....................  Yes or No.
 front passenger.
Occupant position classification,      Out of position........  N/A....................  Yes or No.
 driver.
Occupant position classification,      Out of position........  N/A....................  Yes or No.
 right front passenger.
Multi-event, number of event.........  1 or 2.................  N/A....................  1 or 2.
Time from event 1 to 2...............  0 to 5.0 sec...........  0.1 sec................  0.1 sec.
Complete file recorded...............  Yes or No..............  N/A....................  Yes or No.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Accuracy requirement only applies within the range of the physical sensor. If measurements captured by a
  sensor exceed the design range of the sensor, the reported element must indicate when the measurement first
  exceeded the design range of the sensor.

* * * * *

0
5. Revise Sec.  563.9 to read as follows:


Sec.  563.9  Data capture.

    The EDR must capture and record the data elements for events in 
accordance with the following conditions and circumstances:
    (a) In a frontal air bag deployment crash, capture and record the 
current deployment data. In a side or side curtain/tube air bag 
deployment crash, where lateral delta-V is recorded by the EDR, capture 
and record the current deployment data. The memory for the air bag 
deployment event must be locked to prevent any future overwriting of 
the data.
    (b) In an event that does not meet the criteria in Sec.  563.9(a), 
capture and record the current event data, up to two events, subject to 
the following conditions:
    (1) If an EDR non-volatile memory buffer void of previous-event 
data is available, the current event data is recorded in the buffer.
    (2) If an EDR non-volatile memory buffer void of previous-event 
data is not available, the manufacturer may choose to either overwrite 
any previous event data that does not deploy an air bag with the 
current event data, or to not record the current event data.
    (3) EDR buffers containing previous frontal, side, or side curtain/
tube air bag deployment-event data must not be overwritten by the 
current event data.

    Issued on: July 25, 2011.
David L. Strickland,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2011-19214 Filed 8-4-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P