EU aims to put speed limit technology on cars

The European Union is moving to require cars and trucks to have technology that would help keep drivers from speeding as well as data recorders that would document the circumstances of accidents.

Those were among the safety features included in a provisional agreement announced Wednesday by the EU's executive commission.

The package would mandate so-called intelligent speed assistance, which recognizes speed limits using mapping systems and help drivers observe them by restricting engine power.

The driver can override the system by pushing harder on the gas pedal. But the onboard data recorder could further deter speeding by registering the car's speed.

"Every year 25,000 people lose their lives on our roads," said Elzbieta Bienkowska, the European Commissioner responsible for internal market and industry. "We can and must act to change this."
"At the same time vehicle technology alone will not be sufficient. For maximum effect, policy makers must now push for a fully integrated approach to road safety; combining vehicle technology with better road infrastructure and safer driver behaviour."