David M

I just found in my 2006 owners manual where the car logs things like max speed, whether everyone had seat belts fastened, and so on. How can I disable THAT <censored>? I do NOT want that at all.

caddyowner

All cars have that "feature" now and the automakers claim they own the data. If you crash the car and sue them, they will use the data to try to prove that you were operating the vehicle in an unsafe manner.

Look at the bright side, Lexus no longer uses OnStar to broadcast the information to the automaker. I used to receive a monthly email diagnostic report from OnStar on my newer Cadillacs. The email would arrive on the first day of the month that I drove the vehicle. It was actually a nice feature. The ability to call OnStar when the check engine light turned on and have them read me the codes was also useful. (Especially on a Caddy. LOL) However, when I called them about a voice recognition problem and they thanked me for wearing my seatbelt, that was spooky.

V8_Fan

I don't recall seeing that in my 05 manual. Nothing in the factory electrical manual on that, either, so I guess that's a new "feature" for 06. Don't worry...the NHTSA is now talking about requiring "black boxes" for all cars in the future, so they will know every engine input as well as full telemetry (how the steering was turned and when, how fast you were accelerating/driving, meaning they know where you were going and when!).

usermel

I dont have that feature on my 2001 LS430 to my knowledge but, it is a great feature to have from how it sounds.

I just think its about safety as well, I feel David M also on the other hand its a little BIG BROTHER like but, can also help David in the most unthinkable situations. Sometimes the very things we dont want turn around and help us but, I see were David M is coming from. As time goes on privacy will exist less and less. Your phones are already legally able to be taped if they suspect you have done wrong in any capacity due to the Patriot Act as well. So a car that records this info is just the tip of the iceberg.

Dont get me wrong Im with you David M and agree with you, Im saying just like all the other things we have to deal with in a more one world living we have to adjust and cars are going along for the ride. I dont like the fact we cant pick/decline this feature( I like it myself for me) because its forced on customers like you who dont desire it but, hey it is what it is. I feel you David M it sucks not to be given a choice!!! L.G.N.M

David M

It's enough to make me want to sell the car.

CG lover

hopefully Toyota can see the data on their cars that have been involved with the acceleration and braking issues and figure the cause,,

or will we find out those items were not part of the captured data,,

Derry

usermel

Don't let it get you down to much about it. You have a great car buddy. Just drive and enjoy. L.G.N.M

Rice

Did you know that not all countries have mandatory insurance coverage? Much less black boxes in cars?
I travel a lot and see that in most places, people rely on their own reason and wits to survive. Here, in the US, lawyers have taken it upon themselves to "look out for us".
I am thoroughly disgusted with the whole thing.
People who don't know that spilling hot liquid on oneself will burn them do not deserve to live and procreate.

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

Every car out there will have it. It used in cases involving murder to determine who is at fault. It might come to your aid if the car were to record something that might save your case (ran over someone, or any other accident involving serious injury.)


The second case about hot liquid has been explained plenty of times, and its not as simple as you may think. I will attest that in countries where laws are not as tough on automakers, you'd be surprised to see what they do to try and get away with things (ex. 2005+ cars without airbags.)
Its a double edged sword.

Rice

You are right.
It isn't quite as simple as I have portrayed id.
However, it shouldn't be too complicated either. If Toyota makes unsafe cars, it will be out of business. If someone gets hurt due to negligence and greed of a big corporation, they should be compensated. This is not too complicated.

The problem with creating gray areas is that you then have to pay people to navigate them. These costs inevitably get passed down to the consumers.
I really don't want to be forced to pay someone to tell me that I should not be driving with my head up my ****.
I also don't want for someone to know whether I am wearing a seat belt, where I am going, etc...
I don't want OnStar or some other such service tell me; 'Mr. Rice, you've been driving too fast and not wearing your seat belt. You've been a naughty boy... Remember, in case *****, it will be used against you...'

I shouldn't even care really, b/c I hardly ever drive any more and when I do, I don't speed and wear my seat belt

slvrboolet

Lexus would crap themselves if they could see how fast i have been in my IS haha.

usermel

What Rice said in his last comment was funny. I guess its how you see it as an individual. Both points are correct and I think what we are losing and its been lost is privacy and choice. We no longer can decide what we want and thats what Rice's frustration is. Even if your not speeding and wear your seat belt I and nobody has the right to know your every move unless you as a adult opt for it.

Onstar and other services seem to be BIG Brother hidden!! HHAHAHA! Oh well, "These Are The Breaks" in the words of rapper Kurtis Blow!! L.G.N.M

ntran18

iTrader: (27)

This works both ways. Like Rice say, this can help you or hurts depending on the situation. We don't know what level of detail is being recorded by Toyota/Lexus. This is the cost or benefit of new cars depending on how you see this.

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/in...blackbox_x.htm

V8_Fan

BTW, diverging off-topic, but attorney-client priveledge does NOT hold if either party is on a wireless line. Both must be on hard (land-wired) lines (ie, phones with cords plugged into walls!). Voice/data over wireless is considered public domain (ie, one's bluetooth calls).

jayclapp

Seems to me this is only an issue if you are knowingly doing something wrong and you would like to keep it concealed.

Isn't morality the real issue?