Ford has devised an innovative system to keep track driver’s speed on the road and adhere to the prescribed speed limits. The Intelligent Speed Limiter, which is set to debut in the new Ford S-Max in Europe, can detect road signs with the help of a camera, set on the windscreen, and sensors to regulate the driving speed.
Though similar to the cruise control, this system, upon detecting acceleration over the given limit, slows down the car by electronically cutting down the supply of fuel to the engine and reducing the torque. However, once the car proceeds to a high speed zone, the system enables the driver to accelerate without crossing the new speed limit.
The system can be activated by the driver through a push button on the steering wheel and effectively warns the driver with an alarm and a dashboard message in case the speed limit is exceeded.
The Intelligent Speed Limiter functions between 20mph and 120mph and helps drivers avoid speeding tickets and possible collisions. However, the system can be superseded by the driver by firmly pressing the accelerator and can also be deactivated if needed.