Preparations for the first ISA impact test in Helmond are in full swing.
ISA (Intelligent Speed Assistance) is a generic term to designate various forms of driver assistance systems: the most common form provides an information of the speed limit and warns drivers when they drive faster than maximum speed.
The most advanced ISA systems combine various data sources (digital maps, as well as road sign recognition cameras) to actively prevent drivers to exceed the speed limit, thus slowing down the vehicle automatically.
Helmond and V-tron unite
Helmond partners in ReVeAL (City of Helmond; V-tron) intend to test this form of ISA systems.
In the last years, few car models have been equipped with this technology. V-tron has been developing a retrofit tool kit giving the possibility for ‘older’ cars to benefit from this advanced driver assistance technology.
The system can be installed in any vehicle; also, it automatically supports the driver while driving in order to comply with the applicable speed limit. This relieves the driver by preventing him/her from accidentally over speeding.
Tests in residential areas? Why not!
V-tron has extensively tested the first prototypes. The feedback has been positive, mentioning a comfortable, non-distracting and safe system.
Now that the on-board technology is ready, the impact of ISA on a residential area can be demonstrated. During this specific test, ISA vehicles will be gradually introduced in the traffic and circulate on a defined route located in Brandevoort district. Traffic and speed measurements will be done on the defined route before and during the ISA test via roadside measuring equipment. The objective is to measure the impact of an increased penetration rate of ISA vehicles on the average traffic speed, thus finding a correlation with the number reduction of speeding violations and having a generally positive impact on the district in terms of traffic flow, safety and quality of life.
The Expected Benefits of ISA
- Safety: driving (too) fast is one of the main causes of accidents which can have terrible consequences.
- Quality of life: driving too fast generates a lot of nuisance, especially in an urban environment. Citozens perceive it as a “threat”, too.
- Environment: driving too fast has an impact on air pollution. European research studies indicate that up to 8% CO2 could be saved if ISA were generalized, notably thanks to less breaking actions.
- Flow: ISA allows smoother traffic flows thanks to harmonized speeds.
- Driving assistance: ISA is a form of support to the driving task. It is also an element towards the operation of connected and automated driving.
Matthieu Graindorge – Helmond – and Steven Herskamp – V-tron – ReVeAL partner
