New Ford tech stops you exceeding speed limits
It’s long been possible to set a maximum speed for a vehicle, but now Ford’s S-Max sports activity vehicle will come with Intelligent Speed Limiter to ensure the maximum speed is automatically adjusted to remain within changing speed limits.
“Drivers are not always conscious of speeding and sometimes only becoming aware they were going too fast when they receive a fine in the mail or are pulled over by law enforcement,” said Stefan Kappes, active safety supervisor, Ford of Europe. “Intelligent Speed Limiter can remove one of the stresses of driving, helping ensure customers remain within the legal speed limit.”
Drivers activate Intelligent Speed Limiter through steering wheel controls to set a maximum vehicle speed. The system uses a windscreen-mounted camera to monitor road signs and when the speed limit is lower than that maximum, ISL slows the vehicle as required. As the speed limit rises, the system allows the driver to accelerate up to the set speed, providing it does not exceed the new speed limit.
Intelligent Speed Limiter combines current Ford technologies Adjustable Speed Limiter, and Traffic Sign Recognition, which are both already available on models including Focus, all-new Mondeo, and Kuga SUV.
Working between 20 and 120mph, Intelligent Speed Limiter ensures smooth deceleration by restricting fuel going to the engine, rather than using the brakes.
Intelligence linked to navigation system
Intelligent Speed Limiter also communicates with the onboard navigation system to help accurately maintain the appropriate maximum speed when distances between speed limit signs are greater, for example on long country roads. Drivers can temporarily override the system by firmly depressing the accelerator pedal.
Ford’s all-new S-Max includes further advanced technologies including Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection that can detect people in the road ahead – or that could cross the vehicle’s path – and automatically apply the brakes if the driver does not respond to warnings.
“We’re not just developing cars at Ford, we’re also developing technologies to make driving more convenient, safer, and ultimately help improve mobility around the world,” said Pim van der Jagt, executive technical leader, Ford Research & Advanced Engineering. “Innovative systems like Intelligent Speed Limiter, Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, and Active Park Assist are making the benefits of semi-autonomous technology accessible to everyone.”
So there will be no excuse for getting a speeding ticket if you are driving a new S-Max…