All new cars introduced for sale in Europe must come with some form of intelligent speed assist from this month, according to the Binding Traffic Safety Regulations (EU).
Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) uses camera and map data to record speed limits and prompt drivers to obey or directly reduce vehicle speeds at will.
The ISA is part of a ‘second wave’ of active safety measures – using technology such as onboard sensors, radar, cameras, GPS and lasers – now fitted to passenger cars.
This is seen as an unprecedented move, one that “has the potential to significantly reduce road traffic injuries and deaths”.
ISA is defined as “a system that assists the driver in maintaining an appropriate speed for the road environment by providing tailored and dedicated feedback”.
Four broad ISAs are allowed, and automakers are expected to choose a pick-up bag.
A system is fitted that can alert drivers that they are exceeding the permissible limit with cascading audible or vibrational warnings that “must be of as short duration as possible to avoid potential nuisance of the vehicle.” driver”; by tactile gas pedal feedback; or through an automatic speed reducer.
Crucially, the EU says all must keep drivers in check, which means they must be easily bypassed by human intervention at any time – even in the case of an automatic function. eventually slow down the car in their own way.
That said, this clearly sets a precedent for remotely limiting vehicle speeds via geofencing – once the vehicle-to-infrastructure system is more honed.
The rationale is not merely safety but also emission reduction, leading one to speculate about the long-term future of unlimited speed cars…
Although the system becomes mandatory in the EU for new cars introduced from this month, all new cars regardless of when they are first launched in that region will need them. in July 2024.
There would be no expectation of a retrofit program, with existing cars requiring no technology.
There are no Australian Design Code updates along these lines at this stage, but the policy of continually strengthening safety requirements suggests they will eventually be required.
Since all cars sold here are imported, this technology is sure to become more common.
To find more about, This EU explanation page is quite interesting.
