Let cars, not drivers, control the speed

If speeding cars around schools and parks is as risky as portrayed by the Chicago mayor, then the introduction of monitoring cameras to attempt to fine offending motorists and hopefully change their driving habits seems hardly a robust enough solution. One approach that would seem to be more suitable would be to automate car speed control in the areas of schools and parks and thus relieve the operator from the task of speed control in the critical phase.

Modern cars have speed control capability inherent in the engine management system (computer), the automatic brake system, the stability and control system, traction control system and the braking efficiency prediction system. If a transponder similar to those used in car racing for scoring and timing were added to the car and a communication loop placed in the road surface to transmit the signal that a controlled speed section is about to be entered, the car’s speed could be reduced as needed.

In my opinion the technical challenge is minimal and the only real challenge is the political challenge of mandating that the capability be adopted. Of course, certain political bodies may object because of the potential revenue loss.

Larry Stump

Schaumburg