Speeding is a major factor in road accidents around the world. In Canada alone, speeding is responsible for approximately 1 in 4 fatal crashes. As a mechanic, you’ll likely see many people bringing their cars in for major repairs following collisions from speeding. It’s no surprise that the automotive industry is looking for new ways to control and alleviate this problem.
Ford is the latest company to propose a new solution: geofencing. Geofencing technology creates a virtual geographical boundary that automatically controls the speed of the cars instead of the drivers. In certain areas, the technology will trigger a vehicle to slow down, instead of relying on drivers to spot local speed limit signs.
If you’re paving a career in the automotive industry, you could be seeing a lot more of this kind of technology in the years to come. Here’s a closer look at the latest advancements.
The Need for Geofencing
Many cities and towns impose speed limits in certain areas–and with good reason. Schools, hospitals, and shopping areas all attract a large number of pedestrians, children, and cyclists. Speed limits are designed to protect those vulnerable road users. Unfortunately, many drivers don’t pay attention to speed signs, especially when they’re distracted or the sign is concealed.
Ford’s new Geofencing Speed Limit Control System is designed to automatically respond to the lower limits and alter a vehicle’s speed accordingly. This can help to make the roads safer for other users and help drivers to avoid accidental speeding fines. When you become an auto mechanic, you may see the potential of this new technology to remove the need for speed signs altogether!
Testing Geofencing in Europe
Ford is currently running trials for the new geofencing technology in Cologne, Germany, where there are a number of 30km/h zones. The trial is also being extended to some 50km/h zones.
As the driver approaches the 30km/h zone, the correct information will be displayed on the dashboard. When they enter the zone, the vehicle’s speed will automatically lower in line with the geofenced area.
Specifically, the trial will test how effectively the Geofencing Speed Limit Control System is able to work with the flow of traffic and other vehicles on the road–two of the main concerns with this technology.
The Future of Geofencing: What to Expect in Automotive Careers
If you’re training to become an auto mechanic, you should be aware of the potential of this new technology to change the experience for drivers and other road users. The ultimate goal of this system is to do away with the need for speed signs altogether. But there are a number of obstacles to overcome before that goal becomes a reality. For example, there are concerns that geofencing could lead to congestion in areas where speed limits haven’t been updated to suit the actual traffic flow. The system could also create more problems by pushing drivers to overtake other vehicles on the road. As an auto mechanic, you should be on the lookout for this new technology and its introduction into mainstream vehicles.
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