On a Saturday afternoon in January 2022, a devastating car accident occurred in Las Vegas. A 2018 Dodge Challenger, driven by an individual with a record of speeding and impaired decision-making due to substance use, crashed into a Toyota Sienna minivan, resulting in the deaths of all occupants. The NTSB investigation revealed that intelligent speed-assist technology (ISA) could have mitigated the scale of this tragedy.
The Benefits of ISA Technology
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has concluded that ISA should be standard equipment in all new vehicles to prevent unnecessary deaths. This technology relies on a car’s GPS location and matches it to a database of posted speed limits and onboard cameras to determine the legal speed limit. Passive ISA systems warn drivers when they exceed the speed limit through sound, visuals, or haptic alerts.
The European Approach
Europe has already mandated ISA technology for all new vehicles as of 2022, according to the European Commission’s Vehicle General Safety Regulation (GSR). The GSR requires vehicles to have 90% accuracy for ISA systems and includes requirements for mandatory advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as emergency automated braking systems and lane assistance technology.
The American Perspective
In the United States, the NTSB has asked 17 automakers to equip new vehicles with speed-assistance features. The agency recommends that vehicles have a speed warning system at a minimum but would likely support more robust action. The NHTSA is currently reviewing guidelines for implementing ISA technology and may post a final decision in 2023.
The Benefits of Passive ISA Systems
Having a passive ISA system in vehicles seems like a no-brainer, considering the amount of ADAS going into new cars today. Many of these systems promise to drive your car for you in certain circumstances, making it easier and safer for drivers.
ADAS and Autonomous Vehicles
Lawmakers have introduced legislation around driver monitoring systems, which can detect when a driver is tired, not paying attention, or under the influence and take action. This technology has been increasingly implemented in new vehicles, with many manufacturers incorporating features such as lane departure warning, blind spot detection, and adaptive cruise control.
The Future of Transportation
As transportation continues to evolve, it’s essential to prioritize safety and innovation. The implementation of ISA technology can help prevent accidents and save lives on the road. With the increasing adoption of ADAS and autonomous vehicles, it’s time for policymakers to take a more proactive approach to implementing speed-limiting technology in new vehicles.
Call to Action
The NTSB has repeatedly emphasized the importance of implementing ISA technology in all new vehicles. It’s essential that policymakers work together to ensure that this life-saving technology is implemented as soon as possible. By doing so, we can make our roads safer and reduce the number of accidents and fatalities on the road.
Timeline
- 2022: European Commission’s Vehicle General Safety Regulation (GSR) mandates ISA technology for all new vehicles.
- 2023: NTSB expects to post a final decision on guidelines for implementing ISA technology in the United States.
- Ongoing: Automakers continue to develop and implement ADAS features, including driver monitoring systems.
Conclusion
The need for speed-limiting technology in vehicles is clear. The implementation of ISA technology can help prevent accidents and save lives on the road. With the increasing adoption of ADAS and autonomous vehicles, it’s time for policymakers to take a more proactive approach to implementing speed-limiting technology in new vehicles. By working together, we can make our roads safer and reduce the number of accidents and fatalities on the road.