EDR

Event Data Recorder, a.k.a. black box

A device in an automobile that tracks driving behavior. Unlike a GPS which tracks location of the car, an EDR captures what happens in a car seconds before and after an air bag is released. Similar to airplanes, authorities are able to download data from a car's "black box" such as speed of the car and if there was any attempt of braking. It represents an advance in technology that is able to put menacing drivers behind bars, but privacy advocates warn that it infringes on our rights.