MacKenzie makes the case for increased “black-box” regulation of automotive computer systems. Among his grand ideas:
• Police could use black-box data to determine traffic infractions that may have occurred in "the second before the crash."
• Insurance companies could save people a bundle by rewarding good driving behavior. Perhaps one major insurer could even call its system “Gecko Cam,” complete with a smart-mouthed lizard mounted on the dashboard.
• EPA greenies could use data to monitor, and perhaps penalize, those whose driving habits aren’t so eco-friendly.
I understand the need for movement-by-movement black boxes on commercial aircraft where two pilots have potentially hundreds of lives in their hands. But in everyone’s car? Seriously, does this not sound like Big Brother run amok?
A United Kingdom-based charity, Brake, gives some comprehensive data on Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA), a Big-Brother technology that has been making inroads all across socialistic Europe. ISA utilizes GPS or similar technology to monitor a moving vehicle’s position and compares it to mandated speeds for that region. Some ISAs only chide the driver for exceeding the maximum speed, some cause excessive counter pressure on the accelerator (Toyota's getting that system for sure!), while others won’t allow the car to accelerate beyond the speed limit.
While speeding certainly is a factor in many crashes (NHTSA estimates 30% of U.S. crashes are speeding related), it’s not the only one. MacKenzie, in his column, takes shots at distracted drivers doing such things as talking on the phone, texting, watching TV, and “chowing down on processed corn .”
Brake’s ISA webpage does more than just explain the history of and variants in ISA systems. It also gives links to numerous studies conducted all around the European Union that give credence to the ISA concept. Some various findings:
• Drivers slowed down and were more conscientious of speed.
• Reduced traffic fatalities were estimated.
• A large-scale Swedish study found trip times to be unchanged, or even reduced.
Each study cited has a link to more details. Unfortunately, being as Brake is a European-based charity, the links are to EU websites that aren’t in English.
One life saved—no matter the cost—is a life precious in God’s eyes and is more than worth it. People’s irresponsible driving habits are atrocious and cost us all through higher insurance premiums and increased risk on the highways. At the same time, the thought of a black box making me obey the law seems a little too Big Brotherish. My prediction? Let the relatively socialistic republics of Europe, like Sweden, be the test labs for ISA. If it works, then in time it’ll find its way into U.S. market vehicles.
P.S. - Normally I'd link you up to MT's website so you could read MacKenzie's column. MT isn't so loose with it's content being posted to the 'net. Go out and buy the June 2010 issue. It's a good one.
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