Mandatory speed limiters are becoming a pivotal feature in modern vehicles, playing a significant role in enhancing road safety. These advanced systems automatically control a car's speed to ensure it doesn't exceed legal limits, leveraging technologies like Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) that use cameras and GPS systems. As regions like Europe mandate their inclusion in all new cars, understanding how these speed limiters work and their importance in reducing traffic accidents is essential for drivers and car enthusiasts alike. Here's a brief look at what they are, how they work, and why they're crucial.
What's Changing on July 7, 2024?
Well, back on July 6, 2022, Europe implemented a significant change: all new cars must be equipped with speed limiters. This rule aimed to enhance road safety by ensuring vehicles do not exceed mandatory speed limits. The regulation will tighten on July 7, 2024. All cars available for sale in showrooms must have installed mandatory speed limiters, meaning that any vehicle without this technology must be retrofitted before it can be sold. This requirement applies to all new cars, regardless of their launch date, and ensures universal adoption across all new vehicles.
The Purpose of Speed Limiters
The speed limiter in the car is a safety feature designed to prevent the vehicle from exceeding specified speed limits by continuously monitoring the vehicle's speed through sensors and onboard computers. The Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) system is the core technology behind these limiters. Its primary goal is to prevent vehicles from surpassing legal speed limits. Although the law mandates the installation of speed limiters, it does not require them to be active at all times.
Old vs. New Speed Limiters
The new mandatory speed limiters differ from existing speed limiters in several ways, reflecting technological advancements and regulatory requirements. Previously, speed limiters were often optional features, primarily found in commercial vehicles and high-end cars.
- Existing Speed Limiters: Traditional speed limiters typically require manual setting by the driver. The driver can select a maximum speed that the vehicle will not surpass and can easily adjust or turn off the limiter as necessary. However, these systems lack real-time adaptability to changing speed limits.
- New Mandatory Speed Limiters: The new systems employ Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) technology, which uses cameras and GPS to detect and automatically adjust to current speed limits. This makes them more responsive to real-time traffic conditions and legal requirements.
Background and Development
The European Union's General Safety Regulation was revised in 2019, setting the stage for these new requirements. The goal is to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2030 significantly. Speed limiters and other safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance are part of this broader initiative.
Why Speed Limiters Matter
According to UK Government data, 50% of cars exceed speed limits in 30mph zones, and speeding contributes to one-third of all road fatalities. By introducing speed limiters, authorities aim to reduce the number of road accidents and save lives. The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) estimates that ISA could reduce road deaths by 20%.
How Do Speed Limiters Work?
Speed limiters can function through different technologies:
- Cameras that detect traffic signs.
- GPS systems that use location data to determine the local speed limit.
- A combination of both methods.
Types of Speed Limiters
There are three main types of speed limiters, each with a distinct mode of operation:
-
Informative or Advisory ISA: Warns the driver by displaying a symbol or alert when the speed limit is exceeded, reminding them of the legal limit.
-
Supportive or Warning ISA: This adds resistance to the accelerator pedal, making it harder to press down when driving over the speed limit.
-
Intervening or Mandatory ISA: This system automatically reduces engine power if the vehicle exceeds the speed limit, ensuring a gradual reduction in speed without using brakes. This system is akin to cruise control, maintaining the legal speed limit.
Can You Turn Off the Speed Limiter?
Yes, drivers can deactivate the speed limiter. However, the system will reactivate each time the car is restarted. This is designed to ensure continuous safety while providing flexibility for the driver in certain situations, such as when additional acceleration might be needed briefly for overtaking.
Impact and Future Prospects
As speed limiters become more widespread, regulations may evolve, making the technology even more stringent. With AI and machine learning advancements, future speed limiters could become more adaptive, considering real-time traffic conditions and improving overall road safety.
Global Perspective
While Europe is leading the way in implementing mandatory speed limiters, other regions are exploring similar measures. For example, the United States has discussed potential regulations regarding speed limiters for commercial vehicles. As global awareness of road safety increases, we may see a broader adoption of these technologies.
This article was written and published by Christopher Lowe.