A Car That Knows When You’re Speeding

By Michael Santo
Executive Editor, RealTechNews

“No, really, officer, I didn’t know the speed limit.” Or “I didn’t realize I was speeding.” Yep, those excuses aren’t going to be any good pretty soon. Siemens VDO has developed a system which should be helpful for those in unfamiliar territory, who don’t know the limit. On the other hand, it would also eliminate any chance of using those excuses above.

It’s an “electronic traffic sign recognition function” that uses cameras and special software to scan the road ahead for speed limit signs, which the system can identify and then display on the dashboard.

Drivers who are going too fast are warned with a visual signal, but are allowed to continue driving at whatever speed they like. The system can also be tied in with the adaptive cruise control, in which case the car will speed up or slow down to match changes in the speed limit. Source: Ars Technica

We Say: Wait, wait, I just thought of a new excuse. “Sorry officer, I didn’t download the firmware patch for my system to eliminate the bug in SP1. It didn’t tell me I was speeding, really.”