Drivers Favor Speed Alert Systems for Safer Roads

A recent survey by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reveals that most American drivers are in favor of Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) technology that alerts them when they exceed the speed limit. Over 60% of respondents support a passive ISA system that provides visual or auditory alerts about local speed limits. This technology will be mandatory in the European Union starting next month and has already been recommended for U.S. vehicles by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Surprisingly, about half of the surveyed drivers are also open to more stringent speed-limiting systems. These active systems can make it harder to press the accelerator or even automatically adjust the car’s speed to match the local limit. David Harkey, president of the IIHS, expressed optimism, noting that these findings indicate a willingness among American drivers to adopt measures that could enhance road safety.

Despite the historical reluctance of U.S. regulators to mandate speed-limiting technologies, the growing acceptance among drivers could pave the way for broader implementation. The survey indicates that nearly 60% of drivers would be content with an alert-only ISA system, and 51% would accept an active system. Furthermore, 48% of respondents would support a system that directly limits their vehicle’s speed.

Drivers’ acceptance of ISA systems increases if such technology becomes widespread and if there are incentives, such as reduced insurance premiums. However, advocates emphasize the need for road design and speed limit reforms to complement these technological interventions for maximum impact. The IIHS believes that federal mandates and industry adoption of ISA technology could significantly reduce road fatalities and improve overall traffic safety.