Speed Limiters On Cars

[jake-the-peg]

Considerations are afoot that could mean all cars would have their speed limited automatically depending on the speed limit in force.

http://news.sky.com/story/1135815/eu-may-order-speed-limiters-fitted-to-uk-cars

Early trials found the systems to be highly reliable technically and could cut accidents by nearlly 30%

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7803997.stm

Good thing? Bad thing ? or Good if it works?

Or should we be permitted to break the law?

[mushroom25]

I'm not sure it would be a good idea for vehicles to be fitted with a device that summarily intervenes in the manner described. Who knows what unintended or uncommanded side effects would arise as a result?

[jno]

excellent thing. People who welcome CCTV cameras everywhere to stop them breaking the law will also welcome this.

(I assume it will work; if not it's no more use than anything else that doesn't work.)

I'm sure there would be an exemption for German saloons and for all those ABers who just know they are perfect drivers.

[SlackAlice]

Not really looked into the abilities of the systems to be used but it would have to be quite sophisticated. A speed limiter 'per se' would not be enough.

More driver education may be a better way with stringent penalties for offenders.

[ToraToraTora]

incredibly dangerous.

[joggerjayne]

We should be permitted to break the law.

[sp1814]

I'm with TTT on this. Sometimes, you will need a little extra speed in order to get yourself out of potentially dangerous situations. I'm not referring to you being chased, but when you may have to increase your speed to avoid a hazard.

Also, you would be taking control away from the driver and introducing an unknown variable.

[AB Editor]

SA - I would suggest drivers are educated enough, but the norm is such that speeds of 85 on a motorway are expected. Often a difference in speed is the cause of accidents, rather than the speed itself... limiting could be good in this sense.

[AB Editor]

Although I accept SP's argument and, personally, wouldn't like it very much...

[jake-the-peg]

During the tests the drivers had an overideable system so they could ignore it

They didn't find any safety concerns

But then maybe they don't have the same driving style as you Tora

Do you think that it might only be dangerous if you have a particular driving style and that perhaps that style might be at fault?

Nah! that's crazy talk - You drive a Beemer don't you?

Interesting idea here - one of the major reasons against raising the speed limits recently was that everybody might just raise their driving speeds in accordance with that.

If there was general usage of such devices it would probably be very reasonable to raise them!


Incidently the guys who ran the tests were on the Today program on R4 this morning - there was no talk of back fitting them to older cars (as in the SKY article - I'd like to see one fitted to my positive earth MG! )

[joggerjayne]

Any system that automatically regulates your car's speed is partly taking the control of the vehicle out of your hands.

That sounds dangerous.

What if you're overtaking, coming up to a slower speed limit zone, you see the sign, but there's a car coming the other way. To avoid a fatal crash, you have to speed up to get past. But then ... just as you have almost avoided a horrific smash, and lots of deaths ... the automatic system slows your car down.

Hoorah ... the speed limit was obeyed.

Lots of horrific deaths and injuries, but ... the speed limit is all important.

[jake-the-peg]

'a little extra speed' is easy SP - they could easilly be set to allow an extra 10 or 20% for oh say 30 seconds or so

But I think it's the principle that upsets people

Driving is an ultimate expression of freedom and people don't like the idea of being told no

- incidently I don't for a moment think this will happen

German, Italians English - all major manufacturers of high powered cars - you really think they'll agree to this?

[jake-the-peg]

Jayne

You are overtaking towards a slower speed limit and see a car coming the other way so you speed up?

Flipping Heck I'm not driving with you!

[New Judge]

A careful and competent driver should not get himself into situations for which excess speed is required to escape, though I will accept that occasionally the actions of others less careful and competent may require it.

However, that aside, I understand this idea has its origins from somewhere within the EU (the European Comission‘s “Mobility and Transport“ Department, apparently). So its merits are of no interest to me. Predictably, I do not agree with it, good or bad. as I would rather be subject to bad laws enacted by the UK Parliament than good laws enforced upon UK citizens by foreigners.

[vulcan42]

So we all end up travelling at the speed of the tractor in front.

[jake-the-peg]

//I would rather be subject to bad laws enacted by the UK Parliament than good laws enforced upon UK citizens by foreigners. //

Wow!

So your overiding assessment on whether something is good or not is whether it was devised by someone who's British!


I think we have a word for that don't we Boys and Girls?

[joggerjayne]

Sorry jake, but yes.

I'm not a perfect driver. Others may be flawless motorists.

Occasionally, when I'm overtaking, a car appears coming the other way. To get safely and cleanly round the car I'm overtaking, well ahead of the approaching car, I put my foot down so that I get round a bit sooner, out of the way of the oncoming car.

If, at that moment, some automated system put the brakes on my car ...

[sp1814]

JTP

I think New Judge is joking.

Not 100% sure though...

[SlackAlice]

AB Editor

So an educated driver is ok at 20% over the speed limit on motorways? No, it just shows an ignorance of speed awareness.

I was thinking more, if you are speed limited then an additional element of vehicle spacing must be applied as well. Another item is that all speed limiters must give the same results, as you are aware speed limiters vary at the moment.

Would the devices have to be fitted to older cars etc.

Good idea in its very early stages in my opinion, only really applicable if a marked change in attitude by drivers is achieved.

[berniecuddles]

And what mugs are gonna pay for this the driver i suppose! load of old tosh!!

[Bazile]

did you miss this bit , new judge ?

//A spokesman for the EC told the Mail on Sunday: "It is part of the Commission's job - because it has been mandated to do so by member states, including the UK - to look at, promote research into and consult stakeholders about new road-safety technology which might ultimately save lives. //