So it looks like the days of excessive speeding could be over for some Canadians, as Transport Canada are testing a speed limiting device on cars owned by habitual speeders . It's basically a gizmo that combines a GPS, speed-limit map, and an undisclosed way to manually override a carâs controls.
Transport Canada researcher Paul Boase states: âThe technology has the ability of just saying, âOK the posted speed limit is 50, so weâll let you go 55, thatâs it.â It's very much like the Ignition Interlock device that DUI-offenders get, in that a judge could order the speed-limiting device to be installed on repeat traffic offendersâ vehicles.
Also being tested
, and again by the Canadians, is another GPS-based device that encourages drivers not to speed
...
It's called Otto, and is designed by Persentech, a Winnipeg firm.
The dashboard-mounted device only warns drivers with a voice alarm and a light when they start to speed. Company president Frank Franczyk said…conscientious customers appreciate the blue speed-warning light and even the voice that warns them they are going too fast. Some say their children speak up when they see the alarm go off. “They say, ‘Hey mom, the blue light’s on. Why are you speeding?'"
Full story here and here.
The dashboard-mounted device only warns drivers with a voice alarm and a light when they start to speed. Company president Frank Franczyk said…conscientious customers appreciate the blue speed-warning light and even the voice that warns them they are going too fast. Some say their children speak up when they see the alarm go off. “They say, ‘Hey mom, the blue light’s on. Why are you speeding?'"
Full story here and here.
jerrywimer says:
05:22 AM, 02/11/08
From what I've seen, 90+ percent of folks on US roads would be seeing the blue light. :P
iancar says:
08:21 AM, 02/11/08
No, the children will say, "mom, can you go a bit faster, the blue light is not on again."
slickersdrip says:
02:39 PM, 02/11/08
I'm so glad I'm an American.
classicjetta says:
02:53 PM, 02/11/08
I hate all this anti-speeding propaganda. Its misdirected at something that has a minimal effect on traffic safety.
If speeding is so dangerous, then why does the Autobahn with its unlimited sections as well as 130 km/h (80 mph) limited sections have a lower crash rate than the American Interstate Highway system (where 80 mph is only a reality in West Texas)?
The real killers are two things:
1. Drunk driving
2. Driver distraction
All speed enforcement does is raise extra money for governments and create public animosity towards law enforcement who would be better off investigating real crimes like murder, theft, etc.
firstwagon says:
03:59 PM, 02/11/08
I'd prefer a more simple solution. Get caught for speeding too many times or for street racing and lose your licence for life.
This isn't aimed at people doing an extra 20 mph on the freeway, it's the losers who like to race through the city in done-up cars.
estreka says:
05:00 PM, 02/11/08
I could actually see people buying the detectors. Parents would love them.
I am anti-big brother, so I'm not keen on the first device.
stovt001 says:
09:11 PM, 02/11/08
I agree partially with both ClassicJetta and firstwagon. Its not speeding per se that is the problem. The real problem is reckless, aggressive, and distracted driving. The turns on American freeways can be easily negotiated at triple digit speeds in good weather. You should be able to drive in a straight line at any speed to have a drivers license, period. So what is the only remaining problem? Reaction time. The solution is the same at any speed - leave enough room in front of you to react to a driver slamming on brakes, debris in the road, etc. Then just pay attention and realize you are controlling a two ton steel missile. Driving has become so routine that people see it as a right and take it for granted. Ideally, the only people who should be driving are the people who are actually good at it, take it seriously, and have the judgment to determine what the safe speed for the conditions is.
firstwagon says:
09:13 PM, 02/11/08
I like that, well put.
ateixeira says:
02:42 PM, 02/12/08
How about a device that zaps cell phone users that take a call? Electric shock every time.
Now you're talking.
jr1m90 says:
05:55 PM, 02/12/08
ateixeira, if you want to reduce fatalities, there's your solution. However, I think this is an oversimplified solution. Some people are adept at multitasking, so if you have bluetooth, by all means, talk.
I have to wholeheartedly agree with classicjetta, firstwagon, and stovt001. The problem's on the road are caused by people who don't know what they're doing. Because they're such colossal idiots, the government feels that it is their responsibility to step up and intervene. It's downright sickening.
If I am capable of driving 100 mph on the highway in a safe manner, then that should be my God given right. Conversely, if someone is not capable of doing that (weaves out of traffic, etc.) or drives in a way that endangers others, they should lose their license, period. Driving isn't a right, it's a privilege, and as soon as people get that straight, the roads will be a lot safer. In the meantime, I'd like to see the government stop pulling people over for coasting through stop signs in the middle of a cornfield and maybe devote some of that energy to actually securing the borders.
Oh, and if this abomination of 1984 style rubbish is ever forced upon me, and if my (future) kids ever ask, "daddy, why's the blue light on?" I'll be happy to reply, "because I know myself better than the government does."