California Drivers May Soon Get Speed-Warning Devices as Standard | Car and Driver
Speeding might be a thing of the past—at least in the European Union. Since July, every new car sold in the EU must have a speed-warning system that alerts drivers if they exceed the limit. These alerts can be subtle, like sounds or vibrations, but automakers can also go further, installing features like a pedal that pushes back or even a system that slows the car down to the legal speed. The catch? Drivers can turn these features off, but they’ll reset and turn back on whenever the car starts. It’s like having a co-pilot constantly reminding you to watch your speed.
Now, California is eyeing a similar future. Senate Bill 961 aims to bring this tech to cars in the Golden State by 2030. The bill would require most new vehicles to include speed alerts if drivers exceed ten mph over the limit. However, unlike the EU’s stricter approach, Californians would still have the option to disable these warnings if they find them annoying. But even with this flexibility, some safety experts are skeptical about whether these systems can make a dent in speeding-related accidents.
Here’s the thing: speeding is dangerous. In 2022 alone, 8236 people in the U.S. lost their lives in crashes where speeding was a factor. Proponents of these systems believe they can help save lives, but even they acknowledge the tech has some flaws. Auditory alerts can get on drivers’ nerves, leading many to switch them off. Then there’s the challenge of using cameras to read speed limit signs, which can be unreliable depending on road conditions, traffic, or even how the signs are posted.
Despite the intentions behind these systems, they might frustrate drivers more than they curb reckless behavior. Speeding warnings that don’t work consistently or seem overbearing could be ignored entirely. In the end, the question is: will these systems become a game-changer for road safety, or will they be a technological annoyance that most drivers disable?………..[read more]
Rising Dough
How do you think technologies designed to control or influence driving behavior—like speed limiters—might impact the relationship between consumers, car manufacturers, and the economy?
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