Late last week, the City ofNew Yorkannounceda revolutionary way to curb the problem of speeding using speed limiters.
They make that determination.
What is a speed limiter, and how does it work?
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Active vs Passive ISAs
There are two modalities of ISA: active and passive.
Alternately, thepassive systemalerts drivers when driving above the speed limit.
Wait, arent speed limiters already a thing in ebikes and escooters?
Hire scheme escooter operators can already moderate speed levels.
For example, most riders start out in beginner mode at a reduced speed.
There are also variations in terms of location and time of day.
Its worth noting that while not advisable, its also possible toremovean ebikes speed limiter.
So, why is it not a thing in all cars?!
In 2019, the EU passed legislation requiring all new vehicles to have an Intelligent Speed Assistance limiter.
This isdespite resistancefrom the European Automobile Manufacturers Association.
From July 2024 onwards, OEMs must equip every new vehicle sold in the EU with an ISA system.
This includes incorporating an event data recorder that logs driving data.
The data could determine if a driver was manually overriding the speed limiter in the case of an accident.
There are no legal moves to make ISA compulsory in US vehicles.
However, many automakers have introduced them as part of their broaderADASofferings.
Already installed Intrucks,speed limiters in gas-powered truck engines to help reducecarbon emissions.
And, as driving fastburns more fuel,a speed limiter can help lower fuel costs.
But theres a downside.
These alert the driver audibly or visually to the speed limit and when they have exceeded it.
They do not automatically slow down thecarand the driver can manually override the system.
Signs can be visually obscured, and many speed limits are not explicitly signposted.
Even escooters are subject to more limitations with their active speed limiters than cars in Europe!
And that leaves me feeling damn uneasy.
Story byCate Lawrence
Cate Lawrence is an Australian tech journo living in Berlin.
