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Police and Lawyers Love E-ZPass

Posted by michael on from the tracking-made-ez dept.

John_Schmidt writes "The AP is reporting that police are using EZ-Pass records to solve crimes. Lawyers are also getting the records to use in divorce cases. The article also mentions that the NYS Thruway has sensors to read the cards along the highway (not just at toll booths) but says the data is scrambled and not stored."

2 of 736 comments (clear)

  1. Speaking of tin foil hats ... by krygny · · Score: 5, Informative

    The E-Z Pass comes with a mylar/metallic bag (looks like a typical anti-static bag) in which you can place the unit if you don't want it to be detected (e.g., if you elect to pay cash at the toll booth you won't be charged on your EZ Pass account). That's why I just place it on the dash when I go through a toll, then I put it away.

    --
    Research shows that 67% of those who use the term "research shows", are just making shit up.
  2. Re:Hype and FUD ? by Sneftel · · Score: 5, Informative
    Oo! Let's play a game! It's called "actually read the articles you link to"!

    "most recorders store only limited information on speed, seat-belt use, physical forces, brakes and other factors."

    "gives critical data about speed, breaking and seat belt use."

    "Generally, all newer cars with air bags are equipped with modules that determine when the bags are deployed."

    and, the piece de resistance, from your last link:

    EDRs record the following data:

    Vehicle speed (five seconds before impact)

    Engine speed (five seconds before impact)

    Brake status (five seconds before impact)

    Throttle position (five seconds before impact)

    State of driver's seat belt switch (On/Off)

    Passenger's airbag (On/Off)

    IR Warning Lamp status (On/Off)

    Time from vehicle impact to airbag deployment

    Ignition cycle count at event time

    Ignition cycle count at investigation

    Maximum velocity for near-deployment event

    Velocity vs. time for frontal airbag deployment event

    Time from vehicle impact to time of maximum velocity

    Time between near-deploy and deploy event (if within five seconds)

    Gosh, no GPS. Funny thing. Ya don't suppose those boxes might NOT have been meant for Keeping The Man On Top(TM)?

    Gosh, it's unthinkable. Quick, put the tinfoil hat back on. They's a-coming.
    --
    The opinions stated herein do not necessarily represent those of anybody at all. Deal with it.