2024-02-21 10:12:48
The system can be deactivated each time the engine is started
From July 1, Europe will require manufacturers to fit a smart speed limiter to all new cars. The goal is to inform the driver in real time about road restrictions.
The idea of an intelligent speed limiter (ISA – Intelligent Speed Alert) has been on the European Commission’s map for a long time. And not just a concept remained. It is already in force from 1 July 2022 for all new approved cars, i.e. for new models that are put on the market. But from July 1 this year
all new cars are affected by this mandatory measure without exception
This means that a model that was released 7 or 8 years ago and is still being sold by dealers will also have to have it.
The operation of the ISA is based on a camera and GPS when installed in the car in question. The electronics then compares the speed indicated on the speed limit signs and the actual speed of the car and informs the driver that he is exceeding the permitted speed by means of an audible and visual signal on the dashboard. That said, this is still just a warning. At this stage, the device cannot yet pick up and reduce (or increase) the speed automatically when entering a new speed zone. However, this is possible on certain cars that are equipped with adaptive cruise control.
The new mandatory system
has little chance of raising the price of cars,
because it was planned a long time ago. On the other hand, a large number of those who already use it say that, on the one hand, the system can be practical in case of distraction, but it can also quickly become annoying with regular sound interference that quickly becomes a source of stress.
However, the system will remain disarmable whenever the engine is started via the car’s controllers or on-board interface. The speed limiter, for safety reasons, will also automatically deactivate when the accelerator pedal is pressed hard, as is the cruise control.
The ISA system will also record all driving data and that this can be used by the police in the event of a serious accident.
It’s part of the black box that’s been installed in airplanes for decades, and from July such a recording device will be mandatory in all new cars. The technology went into effect last summer for the new models.
The system constantly records data about the car, but only stores it when a certain activation threshold is exceeded. This happens if the sensors detect an accident, for example, or if the car’s control unit signals that a collision is imminent. The recordings are very short: 5 seconds before and 300 milliseconds after the incident.
Several factors can cause recording
These are the change in speed by more than 8 km/h within 150 milliseconds, the activation of the seat belt pretensioners, the inflation of the airbags, the activation of the active front hood (if the cars are equipped with this system) and a collision from the rear.
The black box for cars, called the EDR, is part of the airbag control module, as it transmits information from the acceleration sensor anyway.
Data is only stored locally in the vehicle
and must not be accessible through an online connection.
The data stored is for driving speed, accelerator pedal position, engine speed, ABS and stability control, and steering angle. In the event of an accident, changes in longitudinal and lateral speed, driver and passenger seat belt status, airbag warning light and airbag deployment time are recorded, among other things.
Also, since last summer, new cars in the EU must be equipped compulsorily with rear cameras, automatic emergency braking, parking sensors, lane departure warning systems, fatigue warning systems and preparation for the installation of Alcolock, which
will not allow drivers to drive while intoxicated
For now, alcohol presence devices are considered separately from any national legislation.