While telemetry tracks speed and braking, it often misses the exact kinetic forces transferred during an impact. Modern crash detection technology solves this by using ultra-precise, 3-axis sensors to measure exactly how many G-forces pass through a chassis or a helmet liner during an accident. This data doesn’t just help engineers evaluate structural safety; it gives medical teams the objective metrics needed to make life-saving concussion checks. In this guide, we’ll break down how crash sensors work, why they’re important, and how upcoming regulations mean you might soon be required to run one, if you don’t already.
What Is A Crash Detection Sensor & How Does It Work?
A crash detection sensor, often referred to as an Impact Data Recorder (IDR), is an electronic device designed to detect, measure and record sudden, high-magnitude kinetic forces. It does this by using precise Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems to measure forces across longitudinal, lateral and vertical axes.
The sensor remains in a low power state, only triggering once a force is detected over the set safety limit threshold. Once triggered, the sensor records data thousands of times per second to pinpoint crash detection.
Why Impact Tracking Is Important
Tracking impacts is extremely important as it allows for the monitoring of vehicle chassis mechanical safety and track regulations, but it’s also ideal for installing on the helmet due to its wireless, lightweight design. Its versatility makes it ideal for a variety of applications including motorsport, horse riding, contact sports and much more.
FIA IDR for ASNs: Through the collection of big data using the system, ASNs alongside the FIA will be able to identify impact trends and gain real world impact insight to improve safety in motorsport.
FIA IDR for officials: With real time impact data at their fingertips, FIA officials can make informed decisions, assess incidents more effectively, and enhance motorsport safety.
Impact Data Recorder Features
Instant alerts (SOS): Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) paired with mobile apps allows for immediate notification to safety marshals, paramedics or emergency contacts.
Data analysis: Crash data is always stored to ensure ongoing data analysis of impact types and severity.
Identifying trends: Ongoing data collection allows for trends to be identified to improve safety and monitoring measures to be implemented.
Compact design: At only 60mm x 45mm x 14.5mm and weighing only 20g, the IDR can be installed on motorsport vehicles and helmets, with little or no issues relating to weight or user comfort, offering a seamless upgrade in user protection.
Continuous monitoring: Its small internal battery allows for a 2 year lifetime, logging up to 80 incidents.
Compliance With FIA Regulations
In motorsport settings, governing bodies have shifted the importance of crash and impact detection technologies from a recommendation to a compulsory requirement to ensure the monitoring of circuit safety, barrier positioning and overall track design. FIA IDRs are mandatory for vehicles competing in British Championship, National Championship and Junior Championship events, in accordance with National Competition Rule Ch.7 App.12 Art.1.13.
To remain compliant with FIA regulations and to protect yourself from injury, shop online through our secure Impact Detect payment portal.