Black Box Recorder

The black box recorders are a new device being fitted into young drivers cars in an attempt to reduce the number of accidents. It works using motion sensors to record when the driver takes corners to fast, swerves or breaks late. The data can then by accessed by the drivers parents via a website.

Last month this new idea was piloted in Staffordshire, this is an area where accidents involving young drivers is high. Under 25's are involved in 40% of accidents in the area.

The box itself is no bigger than a matchbox and fits on your dashboard. For the driver behind the wheel and it flashes up either red, orange or green to let them know when to slow down or takes things a bit easier. With the idea being more red lights you have, the more likely you are at a risk to have an accident.

Yet the box has received a lot of criticism for being nothing more than an excuse for parents to spy on their children. Some say it gives them a chance to be back seat drivers without actually leaving home. Although you may not like the idea of your parents spying on your driving, it may end up lowing your insurance costs. Insurance companies are beginning to take interest and your high priced premiums could be cut if you prove you are careful driver.

I'm not sure if I would like to have a black box fitted into my car, not that I'm a crazy driver I just don't really like the idea of my parents knowing if I did become one. I think that as a young driver you build up a new level of trust with your parents and by using the black box recorder you won't gain this.

The box also claims to show drivers where they are going wrong. Staffordshire road safety manager Adrian Hide, said: "Most new drivers think they are good. This graphically illustrates where they go wrong." But in my opinion I think young drivers do know what exactly they are doing 'wrong'. They understand that they are driving to fast or took a corner to quickly. Yet the black box may kerb this behaviour.