The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is advocating for the adoption of intelligent speed-assist (ISA) technology in all new cars following a fatal high-speed crash in Las Vegas in January 2022. The NTSB suggests that ISA could have lessened the severity of this and similar accidents.
The Role of ISA Technology
Functionality of ISA: ISA uses GPS and cameras to determine a car’s speed in relation to legal limits. Passive systems alert drivers when they exceed these limits, while active systems can restrict the car’s speed.
European Precedent: Europe has already mandated ISA in new vehicles from 2022, as part of the Vehicle General Safety Regulation, which also requires other advanced driver assistance systems.
American Response and Technical Challenges
Perception in the U.S.: There is a concern that some Americans might view active ISA systems as an infringement on their freedom. Technical hurdles, like varying sign designs and speed limits, could also impact the effectiveness of ISA.
Statistics on Speeding and Fatalities: Speeding is a major cause of traffic deaths, with nearly a third of traffic fatalities in the U.S. attributed to speeding, according to NHTSA data.
NTSB’s Push for ISA Adoption
Involvement of Automakers: The NTSB has called on major automakers, including BMW and Ford, to include speed-assistance features in new vehicles. This could range from basic speed warning systems to more comprehensive controls.
ISA’s Future in America: The NTSB has previously encouraged NHTSA to support the adoption of ISA and is awaiting a decision on this matter in 2023. The NTSB also suggests that NHTSA develop guidelines for state-level ISA pilot programs, particularly targeting repeat offenders of speeding.
Integration with ADAS: Given the rising integration of ADAS in new vehicles, the implementation of passive ISA systems appears practical. Such systems, coupled with legislation on driver monitoring, have the potential to significantly improve road safety by addressing issues such as driver distraction and impairment
See first source: Yahoo News
FAQ
Q1: What is the Intelligent Speed-Assist (ISA) technology being advocated by the NTSB?
A1: ISA technology uses GPS and onboard cameras to assess a car’s speed relative to legal limits. Passive ISA systems alert drivers when they exceed these limits, while active systems can actively restrict the car’s speed.
Q2: Why is the NTSB pushing for the adoption of ISA technology?
A2: Following a fatal high-speed crash in Las Vegas in January 2022, the NTSB suggests that ISA technology could reduce the severity of such accidents and improve overall road safety.
Q3: Has ISA technology been implemented elsewhere?
A3: Yes, Europe mandated ISA in all new vehicles from 2022 as part of the Vehicle General Safety Regulation, which also includes other advanced driver assistance systems.
Q4: How might ISA technology be perceived in the U.S.?
A4: There is concern that some Americans might view active ISA systems as restricting their freedom, and technical challenges like varying sign designs could affect ISA’s effectiveness.
Q5: What is the impact of speeding on traffic fatalities in the U.S.?
A5: Speeding is a major cause of traffic deaths, with nearly a third of U.S. traffic fatalities attributed to speeding, according to NHTSA data.
Q6: What role are automakers expected to play in ISA adoption?
A6: The NTSB has urged major automakers to include speed-assistance features in new vehicles, ranging from basic speed warning systems to more advanced controls.
Q7: What is the current status of ISA adoption in the U.S.?
A7: The NTSB has encouraged NHTSA to support ISA adoption and is awaiting a decision on this in 2023. It also recommends developing guidelines for state-level ISA pilot programs, especially for repeat speeding offenders.
Q8: How does ISA technology integrate with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)?
A8: The implementation of passive ISA systems is seen as feasible, given the increasing inclusion of ADAS in new vehicles. These systems can significantly enhance road safety by addressing driver distraction and impairment.
Featured Image Credit: Photo by Erik Mclean; Unsplash – Thank you!
