Insights from field experience: digital forensics of event and voyage data recorders in transportation systems accident investigation

This study examines the systemic shortcomings of Data Recorders (DRs) in transportation accident investigations through analysis of eight major accidents across maritime, rail, and cable car sectors. Despite being critical tools for accident investigation, our research identified 34 distinct types of technical and operational shortcomings, with each incident exhibiting an average of 13.5 occurrences. Our analysis suggests that these findings stem not from technological constraints but from fundamental disconnects in the legal-technical framework governing DR implementation and usage patterns. We establish a structured framework for evaluating and improving DR systems across four critical key-dimensions: data collection and storage, quality and validation, access and usability, and system integrity. The paper concludes by proposing a paradigm shift in DR governance, advocating for their integration into daily operations to enable continuous system refinement, while providing 16 specific key-characteristics for recorders that enhance both forensic readiness and proactive safety measures.