NY DWI Bulletin — This Month

The SDM Deciphered

OK, what is an SDM? Briefly touched on in 9 NY DWI Bulletin 5, an SDM Airbag Sensory Data Module is an electronic data recorder which has been fitted to most GM vehicles since 1995. At its web site, General Motors sets out that the purpose of these devices is to analyze "real world collisions for the purpose of assessing, and improving, crash performance." Tellingly, they also note that "[e]xaminations occur for a variety of reasons including customer inquiries and claims, requests by government officials, dealers or others, and for GM's own crash performance research."

In the September issue of The Bulletin, Ed explores this fascinating device, including caselaw and hearings concerning its reliability and admissibility.