Speed limit displays on new car models ‘not enough’
Several new car models launched in recent months come with speed limit information systems fitted as standard, but more needs to be done to encourage installation of full Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) which actively helps prevent the driver from speeding, according to ETSC.
Both Ford and Volvo launched full ISA systems last year that automatically limit the speed to the local limit using speed sign recognition and GPS data. Ford’s Galaxy and S-Max and Volvo’s XC90 offer the system as standard.
But according to the latest results from Euro NCAP, few new models offer the more advanced version of the technology – which has the potential to prevent significantly more deaths than the warning-only function. The BMW X1, Peugeot 3008/5008, Renault Scenic and Toyota Prius all display the current speed limit on the dashboard but require further action from the driver to keep to the speed limit.
The Mercedes-Benz ‘Drive Pilot’ system, offered on the newly-launched E-class, can alter the speed automatically, but is only offered as an optional extra, not as standard equipment.
Commenting on the developments, Antonio Avenoso, Executive Director of ETSC said:
“While it’s good to see more manufacturers offering speed information in the vehicle, ISA has much more life-saving potential when the car limits the speed automatically. It’s important that the European Commission makes an overridable form of ISA mandatory on all new cars when vehicle safety rules are revised over the next year.”