With a six-month test of intelligent speed adaptation (ISA) in London underway this summer, this new automotive technology is getting plenty of press. The test began as a way to prevent government-owned vehicles from speeding, thereby promoting safe driving and a host of other benefits.
For example, according to several studies, using this technology could reduce the number of car accidents by as much as 25 percent. In fact, the UK External Vehicle Speed Control (EVSC) project estimates that auto accident related fatalities could be reduced by as much as 59 percent, too.
Developed in France in 1982, intelligent speed adaptation is a term better recognized in Europe, where several tests and studies have been conducted. If you are not already familiar with intelligent speed adaptation, take a few moments to learn what it is, as well as how works, and the pros and cons of imposing widespread use.
What is intelligent speed adaptation?
ISA constantly checks and compares a vehicle's speed to the legal limit. When a driver exceeds the speed limit, the device takes either a passive action, such as sending a warning to the driver, or an active one, like automatically slowing the car to the legal limit. Some intelligent speed adaptation systems have an override device. Those that do not are considered mandatory. Ideally, ISA can identify when drivers enter a new speed zone, even those that are temporary (because of an accident, special event or construction) or variable depending on the time of day, like school zones.
How does intelligent speed adaptation work?
GPS is the most common technology used to power ISA systems. Satellites are used to triangulate a driver's position and speed. The ISA compares the data to a digital map that contains data about local speed limits, including information around variable speed zones. Because real-time updates can be made, it has the ability to adjust on the fly. Other types of technology used for intelligent speed adaptation include:
Radio beacons - A receiver inside the car picks up data broadcast by roadside radio beacons. These beacons can provide information about local speed limits, as well as any variable and temporary changes to the limits. Beacons would need to link to a mainframe computer to promote real-time updates, and placed regularly along routes to calculate speed properly. To override signals from fixed beacons, mobile beacons could be used during accident, special events and inclement weather.
Optical recognition - This technology uses roadside signs to broadcast speed limit data to a car. As a driver passes a sign, the information is received and compared with the vehicle's current speed. The speed would remain in effect until the car passes a new sign. Because the system does not work without the roadside signs, optical recognition can be problematic in areas where large distances exist between signs.
Dead reckoning - To use dead reckoning, a car must begin its journey at a predetermined location. As the car drives, dead reckoning uses mathematical calculations based on the rotation of the wheels, angle of the steering wheel and other data gathered by special sensors to discover its current location. Then it compares the speed limit in the current location against the speed of the car.
Criticism of intelligent speed adaptation
Of course, the first barrier to adoption of intelligent speed adaptation is human. Rules like these often alienate the public. Feelings aside, however, there are two primary flaws with intelligent speed adaptation that prevents a barrier to widespread use. The first are problems properly determining a driver's location. For example, GPS-based intelligent speed adaptation will not work when drivers are in underground tunnels. In addition, tall buildings, trees and cloud coverage can interfere and weaken the signal.
The human factor is the other flaw with intelligent speed adaptation. For example, studies show that drivers with ISA drive more aggressively. First, they leave less stopping distance between cars. In addition, these drivers often maintain a higher rate of speed, rather than slowing down in areas they did before the intelligent speed adaptation was added to their car. Therefore, critics suggest that focusing on automation that aids driver technique, rather than forces them to behave in a certain way, will be more effective.
Benefits of intelligent speed adaptation
Of course, the largest benefit of intelligent speed adaptation is a drop in the amount, as well as the severity, of motor vehicle accidents. Ideally, this correlates into fewer fatalities, as well as lowers the cost associated with repairs and medical treatment. Theoretically, this should lower the cost of car insurance, too. How this new technology could be imposed is still being determined, but one theory is that you could receive a discount on your car insurance premium by having it installed.
