Cars in the European Union are set to undergo a major change from July with the arrival of mandatory driver assistance systems, but one of them is causing controversy.
A turning point for road safety in Europe
From July, all new vehicles sold in the European Union will have to be equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The initiative aims to reduce road accidents and improve road safety. Mandatory systems include the fatigue and drowsiness detection system (DDR), the rear cross traffic alert (RCTA), the lane departure warning system (LDW), the emergency braking system (ESS), the alcohol ignition inhibitor, the seat belt warning for all seats, a black box and the intelligent speed assistant (ISA).
Intelligent speed assistant: the source of controversy
Of all these systems, the Intelligent Speed ​​Assist (ISA) is the one that has generated the most debate. This device is designed to help drivers respect the speed limits in force. Although most cars sold on the market already have ISA, some models have not yet integrated it. Since July 2022, this system has been mandatory on all new vehicle models, but it is now becoming a requirement for all new cars sold.
ISA does not block the driver when he or she exceeds the speed limit, but it does issue an alert recommending that he or she slow down. Each manufacturer is free to determine the nature of this alert, which can be a simple visual reminder or a more intrusive audible alert. Some vehicles might even offer resistance when the accelerator is pressed beyond the permitted speed.
Driver reactions and available options
Drivers will be able to ignore these warnings and drive above the speed limit, or temporarily disable the alerts during their journey. However, the ISA systems will be reactivated each time the vehicle is started, in line with EU requirements. This feature may vary in terms of intrusiveness level between car models, making some systems more annoying than others.
ISA uses a combination of GPS data and the vehicle's camera readings of road signs to determine the appropriate speed. While generally accurate, there are instances where the system may incorrectly interpret a side street sign as applicable to the main road, requiring the driver's judgment to override the system.
The Benefits and Challenges of ISA
The primary goal of ISA is to improve road safety by reducing speeding, a leading cause of serious accidents. By helping drivers stick to speed limits, the system has the potential to save lives and reduce collisions. However, some drivers find the technology intrusive and limiting, especially those who prefer a more dynamic driving style.
The accuracy of ISA is generally reliable, but like any system based on sensing technologies and GPS data, it is not infallible. Regular updates and continuous improvements are necessary to minimize errors and improve the user experience.
Implications for manufacturers and consumers
For manufacturers, integrating these systems represents a technological and financial challenge. They must ensure that all new vehicles comply with the new regulations, which can require significant investment in research and development. For consumers, this can mean a slight increase in the cost of new cars, but with the promise of increased safety.
Drivers must also adapt to these new technologies and learn how to use them effectively. The long-term benefits, in terms of safety and reduced accidents, should outweigh the perceived disadvantages.
Towards a safer future on European roads
The introduction of mandatory ADAS systems, in particular ISA, marks an important step towards safer roads in Europe. While some systems may be considered burdensome, their potential to save lives and reduce accidents is undeniable. By adopting these technologies, the European Union is positioning itself as a leader in road safety, aiming to protect all road users.
This transition to safer and smarter vehicles is a crucial step towards a future where road accidents will be significantly reduced, contributing to a better quality of life for all.
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