Speed restriction devices can significantly reduce fatal road accidents

by Stevie Smith - Dec 30 2008, 17:36

According to safety research carried out by a governmental advisory body in the United Kingdom, roadworthy cars should be fitted with special devices that regulate and restrict their speed capabilities.

Speed-limiting technology could cut down on fatal accidents. Image: Old Man Lee/Flickr.

That’s the view of The Commission for Integrated Transport and the Motorists’ Forum, which suggests fatal road accidents could be reduced by approximately 25 percent if drivers were willing to voluntarily accept installation of the device.In terms of potential effect, the advisory body said widespread integration of the ‘intelligent speed adaption’ technology could lead to some 40,000 fewer deaths on the roads when measured across a 60-year period. The commission’s projected figures were provided by a Leeds University study that analysed data from 79 drivers using the technology in their daily motoring, reports the Reuters news agency. If installed, the technology would automatically reduce the host vehicle’s velocity and control brake application in order to keep its speed within local limitations. However, much like its voluntary installation, use of the speed restrictor would remain at the complete discretion of the driver at all times. The commission said that, while it wasn’t recommending mandatory installation of such technology, any such action would improve fatality reduction to an estimated 44 percent. Other associated benefits offered up by the government body include a notable six percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions on carriageways and motorways where vehicles are legally allowed to travel at speeds of up to 70mph (approx. 113kph).The UK Department of Transport insists it has no plans to force drivers to use speed-limiting devices, but it conceded that any drivers willing to adopt such technology could benefit from improved road safety.

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