Bad News to Hear through the Grapevine!

[RedLilPony]

OK, here's an e-mail I recieved. I thought everyone should read this and be informed. IF IT'S NOT TRUE DO NOT BLAME ME!!!!

E-MAIL RECIEVED BY REDLILPONY

While this post is specifically about Ford Trucks, I believe
it pertains to all Ford 2003 products. Therefore, I am
posting this message in several places as I think anyone
thinking of purchasing a 2003 or later Ford should be
aware of.

I have had 4 Ford autos in my life. The last three were
purchased new. The last auto was a 1997 Ford T-Bird,
which I am very pleased with and plan to own it, till the
wheels fall off.

My last purchase, a few weeks ago, was a new Ford
Truck. Normally I would be very happy as a new truck
owner. However that is not the case.
There is something in the owners manual that
I think everyone should be aware of before you purchase
a new 2003 Ford. On page 5 and 6 of the owners manual
of my truck is the following:

"Event Data Recorder

The computer in your vehicle is capable of recording
detailed data potentially including but not limited to information
such as:

* the use of restraint systems including seat belts
by the driver and passengers,

* information about the performance of various systems
and modules in the vehicle, and

* information related to engine, throttle, steering, brake
or other system status potentially including information
related to how the driver operates the vehicle including but
not limited to vehicle speed

This information may be stored during regular operation or in
a crash or near crash event. This stored information may be
read out and used by:

* Ford Motor Company.

* service and repair facilities.

* law enforcement or government agencies.

* others who may assert a right or obtain your consent
to know such information.

*************** End Quote

Please note, the entire manual is written by engineers, except
for this one subject. Can you see the legalneese in it ?
Hint: " detailed data potentially including but not limited to "

Needless to say, I am extremely upset about this. I am sure
that most of you can understand the legal aspect of this, but
allow me to underline it.
My Ford Truck ( and I think this applies to other 2003
Ford products ) can be used in a court of law against
me, by law enforcement, or by anyone who decides
to sue me. Never mind that I may be completely innocent. Anyone
who has ever sat on a jury, may very well know that its not a
lawyers job to present the truth, but to win their case.

Put another way. If I was going through a Green light, doing
35 mph in a 40 mph zone, and someone else T-bones me,
running a red-light doing 45 mph. Late at night with no witness.
I would most likely loose the case. Consider this. My Ford
will be testifying that I never applied the brakes to avoid an
accident among other things. The other guys car, will be
smart enough to not testify against him. Now add to this,
a traffic fatality and you could start to understand what this
invasion of privacy can do.

I have done some research on this for the last few weeks and
have been able to determine the following. I welcome any
corrections if anyone has direct knowledge.

* This is not a government requirement, but one put forth by
Ford on its own. So it is not required by the government. (yet)

* The recorder is part of the airbag module and will record
several hundred miles of data, that can be studied in detail
at a later point in time.

* There is no GPS involved. Who needs one, when all it
takes is to use the steering directions coupled with speed,
brakes, acceleration, ect, to determine just where you have
been. ( Do I see Divorce Atty's grinning )

I think what I have stated here is only the tip of the iceberg.
What can be done with this information is only limited to the
imagination of our legal professionals.

On a positive note, I really like the truck, as it is just what I
ordered. Except for the Data Event recorder, I am happy
with it. I have never been involved in any serious accident
(other then the parking lot tap on the fender )But I am
driving a law suit waiting to happen.

I have just received my New Car Customer Survey.
If any of you feel as strong as I do about this, then put it in
writing to

Ford Customer Viewpoint
P.O.Box 930
Ann Arbor, MI. 48106-0930

Or go by your local Ford Dealer, and inquire about this yourself.
Let them know. If Ford gets enough complaints, then "maybe"
they will change. Sorry, I could not find a web site that allowed
e-mails directly to Ford Motor Corporation. Most Ford
dealerships do have e-mail addresses.

Sign me as
Only Pre 2002 model Fords for me.
Bruce