New Technology Could Help To Slow Down Drivers

Instead of getting cities to issue more speeding tickets, what if cars automatically sensed the posted speed limit and prevented motorists from driving too fast?

1 minute read

June 10, 2007, 11:00 AM PDT

By Christian Madera @http://www.twitter.com/cpmadera


"It's one of the great contradictions of modern transport -- automobiles keep getting faster while statistics that prove we need to slow down in the interests of community safety keep rolling in. Governments across the globe are moving to curb high-speed, particularly in areas such as school precincts where pedestrians at are greater risk, but these moves and the way in which they are policed are sometimes criticized as revenue raising exercises that do little to address the core issues."

"New technology that assists in helping drivers to be more aware of speed zones is potentially beneficial in this area. Gizmag recently covered a new system developed in Europe by Siemens that automatically recognizes traffic signs and prevents unintentional speeding. The broad introduction of such new technology, particularly at the automotive manufacturing level, will not only by helping motorists avoid speeding tickets but also reinforce the need for safety and counteract the "revenue raising" argument by overriding the perception that motorists are being tricked into paying fines rather than being encouraged to save lives."

Wednesday, June 6, 2007 in BusinessWeek

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

View of Austin, Texas skyline with river in foreground during morning golden hour.

The Paradox of American Housing

How the tension between housing as an asset and as an essential good keeps the supply inadequate and costs high.

March 26, 2024 - The Atlantic

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

Aerial view of Anchorage, Alaska downtown with mountains in background at golden hour.

Anchorage Leaders Debate Zoning Reform Plan

Last year, the city produced the fewest new housing units in a decade.

March 28 - Anchorage Daily News

Young man in wheelchair crossing zebra crosswalk.

How to Protect Pedestrians With Disabilities

Public agencies don’t track traffic deaths and injuries involving disabled people, leaving a gap in data to guide safety interventions.

March 28 - Governing

Aerial view of mountain town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado in the winter with snow at dusk.

Colorado Town Fills Workforce Housing Need With ‘Dorm-Style’ Housing

Median rent in Steamboat Springs is $4,000 per month.

March 28 - CBS News

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.