Slashdot Mirror
UK Police Want An Automotive Tractor Beam
Barryke writes "According to The Observer, England is working on a remote control for cars to be used by the police. England's police force is lobbying to get a remote-control to stop other cars; this could also be used to limit speeds. Since needed technology is already available in modern cars, modification is very easy and cheap. But what if I just escape by hitting the clutch and use my speed to go downhill? Bet I'm in the hospital before they are!" Orwellian, or ... Californian?
I don't know about you but I do a fair amount of driving on the interstate and there are a lot of times where I need to speed past the limit (like over 85-90 mph) just to drive safely (And I am defiantly not a speed demon). There are times when there is a vehicle behind me tailgating me so I need to get into the next lane. But the car in the adjacent lane sees me about to pass him so they figure that they are driving to slow so they match my speed preventing me from getting into the other lane. So slowing down is not an option so in order for me to be in a safe driving position I need to speed up to pass that stupid driver. And usually after 80-85 the other guy realizes that he is speeding so he finally backs off. With limiters like that (say placed on the speed limit signs) will basically keep me stuck in the lane unable to exit because there will be a car behind me preventing me from slowing down and on my side preventing me from moving to an other lane.
If something is so important that you feel the need to post it on the internet... It probably isn't that important.
Hooks on the front bumper are ineffective, as most bumpers are secured by four to eight tiny bolts that sheer at about 40K-70KPSI of force. A spear is even worse because there's nothing in the car for the hook to grab. Seats, trunk doors, all will get shredded when the police car tries to stop.
As for the helicopter gun idea... Yea, okay, shooting from a moving platform onto another moving platform into a box only 2 feet to a side.
Not sure I want to be the cop on that trigger...
Right, except your car was nicked in the first place by a criminal with a "car remote", and he disabled it immediately after stabbing you and leaving you for dead.