Spy Cars?

Many americans driving new cars are now being watched by a device right in their own car. Tracking the turns and the speed. And it is igniting a new debate tonight about who gets that information.... See More

Many americans driving new cars are now being watched by a device right in their own car. Tracking the turns and the speed. And it is igniting a new debate tonight about who gets that information. Here's abc's mark greenblatt now. Reporter: You're probably used to hearing about black boxes helping solve airplane crashes. But lieutenant governor timothy murray found out the hard way they're in some cars too. When he crashed this one, he said he had a seat belt on and claimed he wasn't speeding. The data recorder said he was driving unbelted and faster than 100 miles an hour. But there's a larger controversy brewing. There are important safety concerns here and they shouldn't be ignored. But there are also pressing y concerns. Who will access the information and how long will it be collected? Reporter: The boxes tap into the electronics to track vehicle speed, air bag readiness, if you're wearing a seat belt and more. The cars that have them are supposed to disclose than in the owner's manual. Now the government wants to make it mandatory. For every new light car and truck in america. Saying this proposal will give us the insight and information we need to save more lives. But privacy advocates warn that black boxes could turn your car into a spy for insurance companies that want to raise your rates. I would make sure the owner of the vehicle controls the data. Reporter: It's a push to keep you safer on the road while not revealing all your secrets. Mark greenblatt, abc news, new york.