Auto advice: Mandatory speed limiters and other in-car safety features explained

Published on 23 October, 2022

Overview

My new car is fitted with a speed limiter so how does it work? Since July all car models new to the market are fitted with mandatory speed limiters in a bid to cut the number of speed-related collisions and deaths. Using Intelligent Speed Assistance technology these devices alert drivers if they exceed the speed limit in one of a few ways; short audible warnings or vibrations or in some cases the system will intervene directly and slow the car down. Whichever system is fitted to a car it is important to note that the driver is in full control and can override the system by simply applying their foot to the accelerator pedal.

What is Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)?
Probably one of the most important developments in car safety since the seat belt, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems will automatically bring the car to a stop in the event of an impending collision. Using a combination of radar and cameras the system monitors the road ahead and if it identifies a situation where the distance to the car in front is becoming critically short it responds by first alerting the driver with an audible or visual warning. If the driver does not react the system will take over and bring the car to a complete stop without any input from the driver. Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) operates at speeds of up to 80km/h.

Cruise Control and Adaptive Cruise Control — what’s the difference?
Cruise control is an electronic system that automatically regulates a car’s speed without the driver having to keep their foot on the accelerator and has been available for decades. An enhanced version of this system is known as adaptive cruise control. With cruise control if your car is set at 100km/h that is the speed it will travel at regardless of the traffic conditions; adaptive cruise control can reduce your speed if, for example, a car travelling at a slower speed moved out in front of you to allow for adequate space in front but it will return to the determined speed when it is safe to do so.

Top Tip: If the driver is getting tired, some systems will prompt the driver to take a break while others alert them if they stray out of their lane accidentally, very often due to drowsiness.

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