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Ford's New Car Tech Prevents You From Accidentally Speeding
An anonymous reader sends word of Ford's new "Intelligent Speed Limiter" technology, which they say will prevent drivers from unintentionally exceeding the speed limit. When the system is activated (voluntarily) by the driver, it asks for a current maximum speed. From then on, a camera mounted on the windshield will scan the road ahead for speed signs, and automatically adjust the maximum speed to match them. The system can also pull speed limit data from navigation systems. When the system detects the car exceeding the speed limit, it won't automatically apply the brakes — rather, it will deliver less fuel to the engine until the vehicle's speed drops below the limit. If the speed still doesn't drop, a warning noise will sound. The driver can override the speed limit by pressing "firmly" on the accelerator. The technology is being launched in Europe with the Ford S-MAX.
Don't forget roads with variable speed limits and electronic speed signs. They should invest in up-to-the-minute over-the-air GPS map updates!
There's also temporary limits imposed by road works.
If the conditions are so bad you can't read road signs, you shouldn't be driving.
GPS is not the answer.
Pretty soon folks will get used to tuning out while driving (more than they already dangerously do), and when there is a crash it will be reasonable to argue that the automation was to blame.
We are rapidly turning drivers into only being partially in command. Some of the recent plane crashes caused by pilots with atrophied skills being faced with bad conditions and an autopilot that throws its hands up should be cautionary tales against this semi-automation.
Fuck, your car without the speed limiter doesn't do shit about it either. May as well stop fucking driving!
Jesus fuck, do you asshats ever stop going out of your way to make up fantastic scenarios that any with an IQ over room temperature can understand why it's so fucking stupid?
Seriously people, it gets old.
preventing accidental speeding, just as long as it leaves me alone when I'm speeding deliberately.
While I appreciate your point of view I also think that having drivers maintain some sembelance of situational awareness is worthwhile. I can fairly accurately guage my speed and inly occasionally need to look at the speedometer to validate my assessment. However, as drivers turn over more functions to automation they become less aware of what is happening around them as the come to rely on the automation to take care of things. As a result when things go wrong they may not realize it in time to take effective corrective action. In essence, automation can lull them into a sense that all is well when in reality it is not. Automation should assist, not replace, human actions.
I'm a consultant - I convert gibberish into cash-flow.
Well the sentiment here definitely seems to lean toward "let me speed, limits are for dummies" camp. I, for one, would be in favor of a system that enforced posted speed limit signs. Each day that I take to the road I'm putting my life and those of my family members at risk because some other driver HAS to get to the next red light faster than me. I've also found that in many areas around me, speed limits are entirely unenforced, creating a situation where there is a posted limit of 55 mph but an average speed of about 75 mph. If you choose to be the law-abiding citizen, then you are met with inconsiderate gestures and road rage for being, what I can only assume they deem to be, a douche.
Perhaps if everyone were actually restricted to going the same maximum speed, then the maximum speed might be increased slightly due to less variability. That is what has always perplexed me about the resistance to automated cars. People seem to be in a rush to get places, presumably out of some need for transportation efficiency. But think of how much more efficient the entire system would be if it were automated? Following distances could be reduced, speeds increased, stop lights practically eliminated, the list goes on. My safety, and those that choose life, should be given priority on roads and for their sake, cars should be limited in reasonable ways to ensure compliance with posted limits and other traffic laws. Remember that driving is not a right, it's a privilege, and my safety shouldn't be subject to someone else's desire to see if their raised 4x4 is stable at 95 mph in the rain.