(en) The introduction of the supplemental inflatable restraint system (airbags) in some North American production vehicles of the mid 1970’s, laid the foundation for the introduction of Event Data Recorders (EDR) in North America. In order to meet more stringent performance and safety requirements, advances in occupant protection systems and engine and emmissions control systems were accomplished with electronics and solid-state devices. The advances in these vehicle sub-systems gives us the ability to easily record data in late model North American light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. This paper is an overview of the history of the North American Event Data Recorder (EDR), Heavy Vehicle Event Data Recorder (HVEDR), and how data from these devices are being used.