vB Easy Archive - Coming in 2008...

Pages: 1

Coming in 2008...
(Click here to view the original thread with full colors/images)

Posted by: SuperCM

New Car Feature Will Read Speed Limit Signs And Tell You You're Going Too Fast
Thursday October 19, 2006

Car makers are used to offering you the very latest gadgets to get you to buy their newest models.

From satellite radios to alarms that beep when you're getting too close to an object, modern technology has vastly changed the way many of us drive.

But one thing hasn't - a lot of us still like to go over the speed limit as we tool around T.O. So you have to wonder whether this latest advance will be a step backward for some.

German electronics giant Siemens A.G. has developed a new system for some 2008 model cars that will remind drivers they're exceeding the current limit.

The process works by installing a camera that actually reads speed limit signs, then beams a message onto your windshield that you're going too fast. Drivers can also choose to allow the system to regulate their cruise control and let the car slow down if it's running past the posted rate.

But the idea isn't a two way street. The regulator won't cause a car that's going too slow to speed up to the maximum allowed.

It's hard to say whether drivers will welcome the idea or not and Siemens doesn't say if the device can be switched off.

But the company warns if you're expecting a Jetsons-like future where the car makes the decisions on auto pilot, you'll be disappointed. Spokesman Enno Pflug notes that using a test track and guiding a car in stop and go traffic, where other drivers are constantly changing lanes, are two very different things.

And given increased congestion, it's unlikely those sci-fi movie-like days will ever come.

"Our aim is more comfort for the driver," he explains.

The company has yet to say which 2008 models will have the system or how much it will add to the cost of a new vehicle. There's also no way of knowing if it will cause the leadfoots out there to speed to a different kind of car that doesn't offer the option.

SOURCE: CityNews

Posted by: ScFilipkowski

I'd hope that could be swithced off if it becomes standard. Enough annoying warning beeps in cars these days as is. Living on Long Island where the maximum highway speed limit is 55 it would get real annoying real fast as no one actually goes that on the highways.

Posted by: JDScott302

Yeah if you can switch it off it would be tottally gay because i pretty much always am like 10 over the speed limit.

Posted by: P5010

why would i want this in my car ?

Posted by: WoNGsTeR

its not us wanting it.. its prob more like the government want this in our cars... that would be sad if it does come to us...

Posted by: rip

will it also tell the old blue head lady she's driving to ****ing slow?

Posted by: eimajuno

This would NOT be a feature that I would have in my car. If it did have it, I would promptly have it disabled. At least I am not in Canada.

Posted by: 03AZRoush

boooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Posted by: paul34

why don't they just install speed cameras every two feet

Posted by: Nokarola

i dont care, as long as it isnt beaming the info to big brother and I get a "bill" in the mail.

Posted by: Deckster

I wouldn't mind it too much as long as I could acknowledge the message and it is dismissed.

I drive along a street everyday that police are monitoring with radar and I lock my cruise in at 50km/h and have to drop it to 40 for one section, this would make my life a little easier.

It would be better if it automatically accelerated when moving to faster sections of road though

Posted by: plumers

The reminder itself, SE Asian countries have this technology installed on their Taxis and some private cars. Last time I went back to Indo, the taxi driver went 140 KPH, I heard the kin-kon noise reminder, and when I asked the dude, he told me that it's the reminder but he just ignored it.

Posted by: Skylinepilot

I don't think its that bad of an idea as long as you can shut it off.

I am wondering what happens when you drive on a street thats posted at 30 and you turn onto street that is 50 but you won't see signs for a while. Will the car assume the last sign it saw and make you drive half the speed of what others are driving?