NTSB Urges Automakers to Install Speed Inhibiting Technology Following Fatal Crash
Introduction
On January 29th, 2022, a tragic accident occurred when a 2018 Dodge Charger ran a red light and collided with a Toyota Sienna, resulting in the deaths of nine individuals. The driver of the Charger, Gary Dean Robinson, had a history of speeding and was found to have drugs in his system at the time of the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has since recommended that automakers implement technology to limit a driver’s ability to exceed speed limits.
The Need for Speed Inhibiting Technology
The NTSB highlights the importance of preventing speeding-related accidents by advocating for the adoption of intelligent speed assistance (ISA) systems. These GPS-enabled devices can employ various measures to deter speeding. At a minimum, the NTSB suggests that vehicles should be equipped with warning systems to alert drivers when they exceed the speed limit. Many production cars already incorporate such features. Alternatively, these devices could impose an artificial speed limit corresponding to the posted limit of the road.
Potential Impact and Challenges
While the NTSB’s proposal holds promise for enhancing road safety, its implementation faces several obstacles. The NTSB lacks the authority to enforce these requirements and can only offer recommendations. Approval from multiple organizations would be necessary for these measures to become widespread. Additionally, some entities may resist these changes due to the potential loss of revenue generated from speeding violations. For instance, small counties heavily rely on speeding ticket fines as a source of income.
Conclusion
The NTSB’s call for automakers to install speed inhibiting technology serves as a response to the tragic crash and aims to prevent similar incidents in the future. While the path to implementation may be challenging, prioritizing road safety through the adoption of ISA systems has the potential to save lives and reduce the impact of speeding-related accidents.