Drivers, prepare for a big change on Europe’s roads this summer. From July 1, a new safety technology called Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) will become mandatory on all new vehicles sold in the European Union.
Europe will soon make Intelligent Speed Assistance mandatory. This system, designed to automatically monitor and adjust your vehicle’s speed to comply with legal limits, is part of the EU’s ambitious Vision Zero plan, which aims to reduce the number of road deaths to zero by 2050.
So how does this potentially controversial system work? ISA relies on a combination of GPS data and camera technologies to constantly monitor the speed of your vehicle and compare it to the posted speed limit for that section of road. If you exceed the legal limit, the system emits an audible warning and displays a visual alert on your dashboard.
Europe wants to reduce road deaths
But what really changes things is if you ignore these early warnings. In this case, the ISA system can act directly by reducing engine power or increasing resistance on the accelerator pedal, thus forcing your vehicle to decelerate. However, it is important to note that the driver remains in control and can override the system by pressing harder on the accelerator pedal if necessary.
The introduction of the ISA is part of a wider European Union effort to reduce the number of deaths on the continent’s roads. Estimates suggest that widespread adoption of this technology could potentially reduce the number of deaths on European roads by 20%.
While the intention behind the ISA is undoubtedly noble, the system has already been the subject of criticism from some motorists who consider it an attack on their freedom of driving. In fact, online forums have led to discussions about the possibility of disabling or bypassing the system.
As with any new technology, the transition to intelligent speed assistance systems will likely be met with increased resistance from drivers. But for now, the message from European regulators is clear: From July 1, a new era of speed control and enforcement will usher in the continent’s roadswith the aim of saving lives and making driving safer for everyone.