Ford's Intelligent Speed Limiter tech will first appear on the new Ford S-Max that's launching in Europe that could just change the way that we drive.
It would change me from ever driving another Ford.
Apparently the driver can sort of override the limiter for emergencies. I still don't like it.
A speed limit isn't really a moral value. I've gotten a few tickets over the years because I do see it as more of a suggestion or general guideline. Most cops see it that way, too. Traffic flow and relative speed have a lot more to do with safety than absolute speed.
Sometimes the idea of a self-driving car has some appeal -- especially in these days of stupid airport security regulations and the Three Stooges Administration. If I could get in my car, set the GPS, and doze off behind the wheel, I'd never fly anywhere in the 48. Being able to adjust to the posted speeds would be essential for a vehicle on auto-pilot. But I would want to be able to cut off the system completely -- as we do with cruise control.
It does appear as though it is destined be come Ford's most 'unwanted' feature.
ReplyDeleteDuring the Christmas holiday season, the police here in NZ decided to have a 1.0Km/hr tolerance for our open roads in order to reduce the holiday season road toll. On a 100Km/hr road 100Km/hr = good, 101Km/hr = OK, 102Km/hr = bad.
In theory you are not supposed to exceed the speed limit when passing. So if someone was traveling at 95Km/hr you can work out how long you are on the wrong side of the road when passing at 100km/hr. Forever.
The road toll increased during the holiday season in question, and there was a lot of driver angst at this silliness. The tolerance is usually 10Km/hr on the open road.
Speed can be a factor in fatal crashes no doubt, but so is alcohol, tiredness, distractions, poor road surface, inexperience, and a myriad of other inputs.
It just seem that for the Police, speed is easier to measure and enforce.
Yes, I see a few cars now and then which appear to me to be driving dangerously fast, but I see a lot more cars that appear to have mindless drivers.
ReplyDeleteI usually try to stay within five to seven mph of the limit on the highways -- which would be in the 10 kph range. I don't think I've ever been pulled over for that, even for a warning.
Under 10 over. That's the rule of thumb I was taught.
ReplyDeleteNew cars? I really don't think I'll buy a new car ever again. I really hate them. My strategy is keep the clunkers running and if I have to travel more than a couple of hours from home, rent a car.
Many politicians will never pass up an opportunity to make something else mandatory.
ReplyDeleteThere's too many foreseen consequences to this foolishness, let alone unforeseen ones.
Personally, I never drive faster than I can see.
ReplyDeleteThe speed of light -- it's not just a good idea. It's the law.
ReplyDelete