Your Car Already Has the Hardware to Stop You Speeding, But It's Not Allowed Yet
Modern cars contain the necessary hardware for future geofenced speed limiter systems, but the technology is not yet enabled.
Key Takeaways
- Modern cars already contain the necessary hardware for future geofenced speed limiter systems.
- Geofencing technology could eventually stop drivers from exceeding speed limits in urban areas.
- The technology is already used by some automakers to change vehicle behavior in specific locations.
- Professor Marco te Brömmelstroet suggests that we will one day view the freedom to speed like we now view smoking on airplanes.
- Europe has taken a step towards geofenced speed limiters with the introduction of Intelligent Speed Assist.
What is Geofencing and How Does it Work?
Geofencing is a technology that uses GPS, onboard cameras, and electronic throttle control to restrict vehicle speeds in specific areas.
It can be used to enforce speed limits, reduce accidents, and improve pedestrian safety.
Geofencing is already used by some automakers, such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Toyota, to change vehicle behavior in specific locations.
The Future of Speed Limit Enforcement
Professor Marco te Brömmelstroet suggests that we will one day view the freedom to speed like we now view smoking on airplanes.
He believes that geofencing could eventually stop drivers from exceeding speed limits in urban areas altogether.
This would require a significant shift in how we think about speed limit enforcement and the role of technology in controlling vehicle behavior.
Europe’s Intelligent Speed Assist
Europe has taken a step towards geofenced speed limiters with the introduction of Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA).
ISA uses cameras and GPS data to recognize changing speed limits and warn drivers if they exceed them.
While ISA does not stop drivers from speeding, it is a step towards more widespread adoption of geofencing technology.
The Challenges of Implementing Geofenced Speed Limiters
While the technology for geofenced speed limiters is already available, there are significant challenges to implementing it.
One of the main challenges is convincing motorists that the car they’ve paid for should sometimes have the final say over their right foot.
There are also concerns about the potential for government or manufacturer overreach in controlling vehicle behavior.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Geofencing Technology | Uses GPS, onboard cameras, and electronic throttle control |
| Intelligent Speed Assist | Uses cameras and GPS data to recognize changing speed limits |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is geofencing and how does it work?
Geofencing is a technology that uses GPS, onboard cameras, and electronic throttle control to restrict vehicle speeds in specific areas. It can be used to enforce speed limits, reduce accidents, and improve pedestrian safety.
Q: Who is already using geofencing technology?
Some automakers, such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Toyota, are already using geofencing technology to change vehicle behavior in specific locations.
Q: What is Intelligent Speed Assist and how does it work?
Intelligent Speed Assist is a technology that uses cameras and GPS data to recognize changing speed limits and warn drivers if they exceed them.
