Intelligent cars to be fitted with black box

Intelligent cars which are fitted with an aeroplane style black box are being developed by computer scientists at Intel.

The boxes would have the ability to send video footage and information about driving behaviour leading up to an accident, to insurance companies and the police. The technology would make it easier to determine the cause of car crashes and would be used to identify the person responsible.

The device would be part of an intelligent car envisioned by Intel researchers, who are currently developing technology to transform cars into smart vehicles capable of detecting danger on the road. Researchers have been in talks with manufacturers about producing cars that are permanently connected to the internet and other vehicles using wireless technology.

Justin Ratner, the director of Intel Laboratories and chief technology officer was cited on The Telegraph website as saying: "We are looking at a whole range of enhancements that will improve the driving experience, safety and security of vehicles.

"The intelligent vehicle is what we are talking about here. Once a car is connected, more or less on a continuous basis, all sorts of interesting possibilities present themselves."

Researchers hope that car buyers will eventually be able to buy models that have camera systems on board. These would recognise street signs and then take over control of a car if the driver tries to turn into a no entry road for example. They also want to develop on board sensors which will be able to detect pot holes in the road and will be able to track the location of surrounding vehicles.

A spokesman for the Association of British Insurers said: "Insurance companies are always looking at new in car technology. A system like this could certainly help speed up the process of determining the cause and responsibility of an accident."

Ann Francis, Leeds, Landrover Freelander

Daryl Robinson, Peterborough, Honda Civic