Technology puts brakes on speeders
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Speeding motorists could be slowed down by on-board computers which would automatically override the driver and apply the brakes. Trials could begin next year on the M4 motorway between London and South Wales.
Roadside beacons would send radio signals to the computers of passing cars, telling them the speed limit. If the driver is speeding, the computer would apply the brakes gently but firmly. The motorist would also find that if he or she tried to exceed the speed limit, the accelerator would refuse to work.
Tests on drivers in simulators suggest that the loss of control does not anger them, according to the Institute for Transport Studies at the University of Leeds, which carried out the trials.
Another option is for each car to carry a digital map containing information on speed limits. Data on traffic jams, poor weather conditions and even crowding from people leaving a football match could be transmitted to each car and the speed limit reduced to suit the circumstances.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments