GPS-based device won't let you speed |
|
 If Transport Canada has its way, technology will conspire to slow drivers down. The government agency is testing a new device that will make it almost impossible to speed.
The new device combines GPS technology and a digital speed limit map. Once the car reaches the speed limit it will become hard to press down the accelerator. This is the first test of this type of device in North America, though it has been tried in Sweden, the Netherlands and Britain.
Speed is a contributing factor in 25 percent of all fatal crashes, so proponents of the device are eager to see the results of the test, which will end this spring. The challenge of further implementation if the test is successful, of course, is that many people simply won’t want to have their speed limited.
GPS technology is also used in a less invasive device. Persentech, a Winnipeg-based company, has designed the Otto Driving Companion. When the speed limit is exceeded a light flashes on the dash-mounted unit and a voice warns them that they are going too fast. The device is already commercially available in Canada for $290, more than 400 have been sold in limited markets to date.
In Europe, there is support for insurance companies to give discounts to users of speed-limiting technology. Some even want the devices to be mandatory in all vehicles.
Via CTV.ca
|
 Reader Ratings |
|
| This article has been rated 10% by 2 user(s).
|
|
Recent Headlines
Might Be Hard to Find an iPod This Holiday Season- posted on Wednesday December 3, 2008 4:18 PM CST
T-Mobile Giving Away Free Mobile Phone Games- posted on Wednesday December 3, 2008 3:33 PM CST
Next Nokia Superphone Powered by Maemo Linux- posted on Wednesday December 3, 2008 3:17 PM CST
More Pink Options from Sony Ericsson Mobile Phones- posted on Wednesday December 3, 2008 2:32 PM CST
President-Elect Barack Obama Owns a Zune and a Mac?- posted on Wednesday December 3, 2008 2:25 PM CST
Laptop Cooling Stand with USB Ports, Slot-Loading HDD Dock- posted on Tuesday December 2, 2008 12:31 PM CST
QIGI i6-Goal Android Phone Prepares for China's TechFaith Wireless- posted on Tuesday December 2, 2008 12:21 PM CST
Video: Top Gear Takes Bus Race to Rally Track- posted on Tuesday December 2, 2008 12:11 PM CST
Nokia N97 Flagship Phone with Angled Touchscreen and Slide-Out QWERTY- posted on Tuesday December 2, 2008 11:48 AM CST
Ted Rogers Passes Away at Age 75- posted on Tuesday December 2, 2008 11:36 AM CST
Feature: What is the Ultimate Smartphone Form Factor?- posted on Monday December 1, 2008 6:08 PM CST
Get Ready for Full HD Video on Mobile Phones- posted on Monday December 1, 2008 1:50 PM CST
Check Out the White HTC Touch Diamond- posted on Monday December 1, 2008 1:34 PM CST
Fujitsu Wants to Give You a Free Laptop Every Three Years- posted on Monday December 1, 2008 1:17 PM CST
Lisa Simpson Hits New Mapple Store at Springfield Mall- posted on Monday December 1, 2008 1:16 PM CST
Supercar Shootout: Bugatti Veyron vs. Pagani Zonda F Roadster (Video)- posted on Monday December 1, 2008 12:51 PM CST
Feature: Why Don't We See More Solar Stuff?- posted on Friday November 28, 2008 3:17 PM CST
BlackBerry Curve 8900 Javelin In Stock at Rogers, Ready to Go- posted on Friday November 28, 2008 1:02 PM CST
Telus BlackBerry Storm Priced at $300 by Best Buy- posted on Friday November 28, 2008 12:39 PM CST
New Smartphone Data Value Packs from Rogers- posted on Friday November 28, 2008 12:25 PM CST
Rogers Wireless Launches Nokia E71 at $99 with Contract- posted on Friday November 28, 2008 12:24 PM CST
Lego R2-D2 USB Drive Stuffs Head into Your Computer- posted on Friday November 28, 2008 12:12 PM CST
Apple iPhone 2.2 Works with IntelliScreen Again- posted on Thursday November 27, 2008 1:21 PM CST
Samsung Launches Smartphones for BizBees in Europe- posted on Thursday November 27, 2008 12:59 PM CST
Colorful Honda Speedometer Warns Speed Demons of Their Ills- posted on Thursday November 27, 2008 12:44 PM CST
|
|
|
|
XML Feed