Actually, if the EDR systems in the Scions work like most other similar systems I've fiddled with, they are constantly recording. The amount of data they retain is about five seconds worth, and a high shock input, such as required to set off the airbags, STOPS the recording function leaving you with the last five seconds before the crash stored in non-volatile memory.

(That's how the data recorders in aircraft work, too, except for a lot more channels and a lot longer memory period.)

Tomas

 

Kinda OT, but I'd love something that would take GPS and all the data from the ECU and plot it on a map. Geek data heaven.

And it's a pity the EDR can't also record whether the driver's yakking on the phone/eating a burger/drinking coffee/putting on makeup....