Partner, Road Traffic Accident Technical Manager
As of 6th July 2022, speed limiters – or Intelligent Speed Assistance systems – became mandatory in all new vehicles sold in the European Union. Despite the UK leaving the EU, it has been speculated that the legislation will be applied here in a bid to reduce the number of road traffic collisions happening on our roads.
Speed limiters are safety devices that are relatively easy to install, their primary use is to stop people from driving at a speed that is not suitable for their surroundings. It’s important to note that speed limiters are not the same as cruise control, which are designed to maintain a consistent speed for longer journeys.
As Road Traffic Accident Solicitors, we see first-hand how speeding and reckless driving can ruin people’s lives and we welcome the mandatory installation of speed limiting devices. In this article, we’ve outlined how the devices will work to keep drivers safe as well as the impact their widespread use is likely to have.
If you’ve been involved in a road traffic accident which was not your fault, we could help you claim compensation. Get in touch with our experienced Road Traffic Accident Solicitors for initial advice.
Speed limiters are designed to identify speed signs using either a video or GPS-linked system. If the system detects that the driver of the vehicle is going over the speed limit, it will sound an alert.
If the driver fails to slow down after hearing the alert, the speed limiter will intervene by limiting the engine’s power and effectively slowing the vehicle down to the appropriate speed.
Some driving associations have raised concerns that the new signalling system might be irritating or distracting for drivers. To combat this, manufacturers have been given a number of different options for alerting drivers, including:
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The injuries sustained as a pedestrian are generally more serious as there is nothing the protect you from the impact. These can have massive implications on your life meaning you can’t work and have to get medical care and rehabilitation as part of the recovery.
Ms C suffered multiple injuries when the car she was travelling in as a passenger was hit by another vehicle. She was left with bruising, scarring, soft tissue injuries and back pain as a result of the road traffic accident. She was also 37 weeks pregnant, and suffered a seatbelt injury to the abdomen and vaginal bleeding due to a ruptured placenta.
In order to find out how dangerous UK roads really are, our personal injury team here at Simpson Millar have analysed the latest accident data from the Department for Transport to find when and where most road traffic accidents (RTAs) take place.
www.simpsonmillar.co.uk. (2023). Road Traffic Accident Claims | Simpson Millar Solicitors. [online] Available at: https://www.simpsonmillar.co.uk/personal-injury-solicitors/road-traffic-accidents/
www.webuyanycarusa.com. (n.d.). We Buy Any Car® | Sell My Car | Free Online Valuation. [online] Available at: https://www.webuyanycar.com/guides/car-ownership/speed-limiters
Susan specialises in managing road traffic accident cases, and mainly represents pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists in multi-track cases, as well as clients who have developed chronic pain syndrome and sustained organic injuries.
She also supports junior members of staff across the department.
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