Car crashes in the U.S. have increased significantly in the past few years, and we know that speed contributes to the problem. Approximately 30% to 35% of fatalities involve speeding as a factor. Because of a speeding vehicle’s kinetic energy, a small increase in speed results in a large increase in fatalities. However, there may be a solution, and it involves technology to reduce speeding.
In the European Union, Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) is one of a few new mandatory features for all vehicles produced after July 6, 2022. To comply with all regulations, vehicles must be equipped with:
•intelligent speed assistance,
•alcohol interlock installation facilitation,
•driver drowsiness and attention warning systems,
•advanced driver distraction warning systems,
•reversing detection systems,
•accurate tire pressure monitoring,
ISA is a vehicle safety technology that will limit engine power when necessary to help prevent the driver from exceeding the current speed limit. The system can be overridden, or temporarily switched off. As well as improving road safety, reducing emissions, and saving fuel, the system can help drivers avoid speeding fines.
ISA is probably the single most effective new vehicle safety technology currently available in terms of its lifesaving potential. A study for the European Commission found the other main positive impacts include encouraging walking and cycling due to increased perceived safety of cars vis-à-vis vulnerable road users, a traffic calming effect, reductions in insurance costs, higher fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions.
ISA has the following minimum requirements in the EU:
•it shall be possible for the driver to be made aware through the accelerator control, or through dedicated, appropriate, and effective feedback, that the applicable speed limit is exceeded.
•it shall be possible to switch off the system; information about the speed limit may still be provided, and intelligent speed assistance shall be in normal operation mode each time the vehicle is started.
•the dedicated and appropriate feedback shall be based on speed limit information obtained through the observation of road signs and signals, based on infrastructure signals or electronic map data, or both, made available in-vehicle.
•it shall not affect the possibility, for the drivers, of exceeding the system’s prompted vehicle speed.
•its performance targets shall be set to avoid or minimize the error rate under real driving conditions.
The new data recorders would log the override of the ISA system, and it is possible that in the event of a crash this information could be available to police. No doubt there will be pushback on any requirement for ISA in the U.S., but it has potential.
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