An event data recorder (EDR) system includes an event identification module, a parameter selection module, and an event recorder module. The event identification module identifies occurrences of a first event and second event of M predetermined events based on operating conditions of an automotive vehicle. The parameter selection module selects a first set of parameters to record from N predetermined parameters when the first event occurs. The parameter selection module selects a second set of parameters to record from the N predetermined parameters when the second event occurs. The event recorder module records data corresponding to the first set of parameters when the first event occurs and records data corresponding to the second set of parameters when the second event occurs. M and N are integers greater than 1 and the first set includes at least one parameter that is different from the parameters included in the second set.