More than three-quarters of drivers in the EU believe the use of Intelligent Speed Adaptations (ISAs) will compromise their safety, according to research by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).
In September, the EU announced it was considering proposals to install ISA technology in new vehicles. Under new rules, vehicles would be fitted with technology that would be capable of detecting speed limits via satellites or cameras and applying the brakes automatically. It has also been proposed that existing vehicles could be forced to be fitted with the devices.
Patrick McLoughlin, the UK Transport Secretary, was asked for his views before official proposals are made by the European Commission this autumn. He instructed officials to oppose the move. It has been suggested that automatic controls in vehicles are a move towards a ‘Big Brother’ state.
The EC has carried out experiments with ISA technology in Sweden and the Netherlands. In Sweden both the open ISA (which sounds a warning) and the half-open ISA (active accelerator that makes driving uncomfortable) has been tested in four different towns and cities. The EC tested the closed ISA (limits speed) in the Dutch town of Tilburg. Experiments have also taken place in Belgium, Britain, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary and Spain. The EC said that the experiments had a positive effect on safety and academics at the Institute for Transport Studies have claimed that ISA technology would lead to a reduction in fuel consumption. A survey completed in 2004 by Safe Road Trains for the Environment (SARTRE) revealed that around 25% of drivers think it is ‘very useful’ to have technology that prevents exceeding speed limits.
However, issues of concern have also been reported, such as compensation driving in areas where the ISA system is not active, as well as over confidence, frustration and diminished attention.
The IAM found that 78% of drivers do not want ISA technology fitted to their cars and 57% of drivers do not think ISA will help to avoid crashes, injuries or deaths.
Potential benefits of ISA
However, there is more support for the technology if the driver could remain in control of the vehicle after it has been fitted with ISA technology. If the technology operated with a warning message, rather than being able to automatically apply the brakes, 67% of people would be happy to support this.
The IAM’s research revealed that 52% of drivers do see some benefits to ISA technology: less money would need to be spent on traffic calming measures such as road humps and mini roundabouts, and there would be a reduced likelihood of speeding fines.
Some respondents suggested that if ISA technology was enforced, it should be restricted to newly qualified drivers, drivers with previous road-related convictions and younger drivers.
The IAM’s Chief Executive, Simon Best said, “ISAs could help to save lives but it’s clear that drivers remain dubious about the benefits of the technology. More research into the benefits would help to reassure the public that this will improve road safety. Unfortunately, over a third of respondents see this as a way of controlling drivers, I believe if drivers are trained properly and have access to on-going learning, the government would not need to enforce ISAs.”
Rachael Hogg
