[wagolynn]

"Southwark Council in south London has already expressed an interest in fitting ISA to more than 300 of its vehicles after estimates showed that if two thirds of drivers in the capital used the system, the number of road casualties could be reduced by 10%.
The head of TfL's London road safety unit, Chris Lines, said: "We know the technology works, and now we want to know how drivers in all types of vehicles respond to it." "

So I am using this system, I cross the lights at the cross roads which just changed to green, a car has missed the lights on my left. I am in a low gear, a squirt of power will take me clear, braking means we will both want the same bit of road, go for the power – oh dear the ISA has taken control!!!!!

I ‘estimate’ what has happened here is someone has the kit to sell, probably perks are offered in the right places, need I say more?

As to the above 10% reduction; that is pure and simple speculation. Just to put that into context; if we say that 10% of all accident claims involve one unlicensed vehicle, therefore 90% of accident claims involve taxed vehicles, therefore if we stop owners taxing their vehicles we can cut claims by 90%. Hey that’s brilliant :D

[98selitb]

I agree it's not a great idea. I think it is always best to have full control of your car, as your example indicates. I think we should wait and see though as to how the accident rates are affected, if at all. I'm not a huge fan of all this in-car technology that means it's almost not the driver that drives the car, but the car itself.

To avoid the situation you envisaged, they could make a new piece of technology where the car does an emergency stop every time it sees an amber or red light!:eek:

[wagolynn]

And that then triggers off a tea/coffee maker to calm you down again before you proceed. Oh what fun? Perhaps the automatic windscreen wipers could be adapted to stir the tea. I must have a word with Wallace & Grommet.:D

[ficklejade]

Blow the tea/coffee - after a scare like that I'd want a brandy - after handing over the keys of my car to the police of course ;)!

Tell me, how are insurance cos going to sort out accidents when a computer is in charge? They're just as unreliable as humans!!:eek:

[wagolynn]

Originally Posted by ficklejade

Blow the tea/coffee - after a scare like that I'd want a brandy - after handing over the keys of my car to the police of course ;)!

Tell me, how are insurance cos going to sort out accidents when a computer is in charge? They're just as unreliable as humans!!:eek:

Sorry must correct you there; more unreliable than humans, chiefly because they are programmed by humans.:o Interesting thought though; not me gov it was the computer what done it.:)

[Snowball]

On a daily basis, I can envisage almost as many drivers accelerating to get out of a problem caused by someone else, as the ones who have to brake.

When the "experts" start resorting to adapting every known form of technology for the purpose of automating the driving environment as a means to control road safety then, not only would it result in an escalation of problems, it would also force in a lowering of driving standards; whereas true road safety can only be achieved by all drivers aiming for high standards of driving at all times. And this can only be achieved by drivers having full control of their vehicles, and making self-discipline in their driving an inbuilt habit. And that is the only place where automation has a useful part to play.

[Rolebama]

I have seen film footage of the car that drives itself. All the driver does is tell it vocally where he wants to go, and it will drive them there. I saw this footage around 15yrs ago. The reason it has not been introduced is twofold, first, it is affected by microwaves, therefore unreliable and unstable, second, as yet, motorists have not been 'weaned' from the control of their car so there is no current market for it. I wonder if all the latest legislation and 'ideas' are gradually heading us in this direction?
**It was Mazda that built the car I saw, and the footage was of the car at the Mazda Test Track.**

[wagolynn]

Originally Posted by Rolebama

I have seen film footage of the car that drives itself. All the driver does is tell it vocally where he wants to go, and it will drive them there. I saw this footage around 15yrs ago. The reason it has not been introduced is twofold, first, it is affected by microwaves, therefore unreliable and unstable, second, as yet, motorists have not been 'weaned' from the control of their car so there is no current market for it. I wonder if all the latest legislation and 'ideas' are gradually heading us in this direction?
**It was Mazda that built the car I saw, and the footage was of the car at the Mazda Test Track.**

Things have moved on a lot since then, there is an annual competition in America for self guided vehicles. They have to negotiate a course laid out in rough terrain, a few make it. But my thought is, on rails yes but running free no. Having said that aircraft have flown for years on autopilots of ever increasing sophistication, no one seems to be too bothered.
In a modern fighter plane in effect the pilot interferes with the control computer. The aircraft basically will not fly without the computer controlling it, to get rapid response the aircraft has to be unstable, it is not a natural flying machine, the computer system is constantly making corrections. :eek:

[Snowball]

I don't think automated road vehicles can be compared to aircraft. Think of the difference in terms of congestion, the differences in skill and discipline, and the fact that what constitutes a "near miss" between aircraft is represented by a distance that two drivers would probably be unable to see each other.

These automated vehicles are merely concept exercises. Just consider the basic failings that we have to contend with on our roads on a daily basis; failings where the technical ability already exists to resolve them. And then think of the much greater effort it would require to put automated vehicles onto even the motorway network.
Even until the end of this century, and beyond, we are more likely to meet fairies at the bottom of our gardens.

[wagolynn]

Agreed snowball, but the idiots are prepared to trial speed limited vehicles.:(

[Rolebama]

The plane and rail systems which are 'automated' are still overseen by a staff in a Control Centre of some kind. I hate to think of the costs involved in running the entire road network in such a fashion.
Going back to the original post, just goes back to the basic concept of: Is it a real alternative to effective policing of the roads, or is yet another example of 'control'.

[Snowball]

Originally Posted by Rolebama

The plane and rail systems which are 'automated' are still overseen by a staff in a Control Centre of some kind. I hate to think of the costs involved in running the entire road network in such a fashion.
Going back to the original post, just goes back to the basic concept of: Is it a real alternative to effective policing of the roads, or is yet another example of 'control'.

Central and local governments hold "think tank" sessions, where a whole range of ideas are bandied about. Because these sessions are held by groups who have limited knowledge of the subjects raised (e.g. roads), it is predictable that some loony ideas will get quite a long way through feasibility studies before someone is bright enough to recognise the absurdity of a project.

[Rolebama]

When you look at how many non-drivers are involved in the overseeing and administration of our road system, is it any real wonder they are in the state they are? My local Boroughs would rather spend the budget on digital speed signs and humps than fixing the roads. I have also noticed that whilst they are pleading poverty when it comes to road repairs, they still have the cash to dig up the centres of the roads and lay either red or green asphalt and paint chevrons all over them, whilst simultaneously allocating Cycle Tracks, Bus Lanes and Permit Parking meaning that our single carriageway lanes are down to three feet wide. (Google Street View shows this.)

[wagolynn]

We had a brand new electronic sign in my area, on a very long 40mph stretch, which no one can understand why it is 40. At peak times it is stop start and at other times the trucks decide the speed. Back to the sign, it was a ‘your speed is’ thing. It had to be taken down; I am told the local kids on small motor bikes were having competitions to see who was fastest.:o

Road Paint; It looks as though they are doing something; have you tried to brake on it?:(

Narrow lanes are a recognised traffic calming measure. Of course there is a much better chance of killing a pedestrian or two as they hide in the parked cars before they run across the road. Otherwise the traffic calming, red flag waving, silly signers would be out of a job.:D

[Rolebama]

Our local Borough have just taken down one of those 'your speed is...' signs. Some bright spark put it up on the approach to a tight-ish bend with an adverse camber. Speed limit on the road is 40mph, but it is not a nice bend to take at anything over 30!
I do think there is a place for them, though. As I said on another post, there is one at the bottom of a long hill locally, (NSL), just before the 30 zone starts. I see a lot more cars braking because of the sign on the open road, rather than at the last minute when they see the mini roundabout just round the bend.