It is from this Wednesday, July 6 that black boxes are mandatory in all new cars. But also the intelligent speed adaptation system which should greatly reduce speeding.
It’s now official, all new cars must now be equipped with a black box as we explained to you in our dedicated file. A measure which comes into force this Wednesday, July 6, 2022. If this worries many motorists, what is it really about and how does this device work?
But be careful, because this black box is not the only mandatory element from today. In effect, new cars must also be equipped with an intelligent speed adaptation systemas well as several other security features.
A black box with very specific functions
For the time being, only new models not yet approved are affected by this obligation, such as the future Peugeot 408. Concretely, models already marketed and cars currently in circulation are not subject to it. This black box, which aims to record data in the event of an accident is then installed directly at the factory, and drivers have nothing to do. As with airplanes, this device records several data, 30 seconds before the accident and 10 seconds after the impact. These are overwritten every 40 seconds if no collision is detected.
But then, what information is recorded by this black box? Unlike aeronautics, those installed in cars are not equipped with microphones. It is therefore impossible for your private conversations to be heard. As the government site specifies, the box is equipped with ” an electronic chip that records data provided by the vehicle such as speed, acceleration or braking phase, wearing of the seat belt, use of the indicator, the force of the collision, the engine speed or the inclination of the vehicle“.
To note that the data is only used in the event of an accident, and only the authorities and investigators will have access to them. To find out all about how this black box works, see our dedicated article.
Several new mandatory equipment
But that’s not all. Because in addition to this famous black box which has caused so much controversy, a host of new safety equipment is also mandatory since July 6. From now on, all new cars must be equipped with these safety features:
- intelligent speed adaptation system
- interface to allow the fitting of an alcohol ignition interlock device (alcohol tester)
- driver drowsiness and attention warning systems
- advanced driver distraction warning systems
- emergency stop signals
- reverse detection systems
- event data loggers (black boxes)
- accurate tire pressure monitoring system
Smart speed adaptation is the feature that should be talked about the most. It is indeed for the car to know the speed limit currently in force on the road taken, thanks to its cameras (to read the signs) as well as the location of the car via the GPS.
If the driver accelerates and exceeds the permitted speed limit, the car will warn him with various mechanisms. The accelerator pedal may stiffen and audible and visual signals may sound in the passenger compartment. If the driver does not react, the power of the car could decrease to slow the vehicle. It should however be possible to deactivate this system which should be reactivated each time the car is started.
Again, these measures only concern new models homologated from today. No information has yet been given on an obligation for used vehicles.
Black boxes and intelligent speed adaptation are now coming to cars. How do they work? What can they be used for? We tell you everything!
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