Intelligent speed assistance (ISA) systems can actively prevent drivers from exceeding the speed limit using road-sign recognition cameras and GPS-linked speed-limit databases.
It should be noted that the variant of ISA that is going to be mandatory in the European Union as of 2022 can be switched off and is overridable.
ISA is part of the ‘second wave’ of active safety measures – using cutting-edge technology such as on-board sensors, radar, cameras, GPS and lasers – that is being fitted to passenger cars.
Active safety technology can prevent accidents from happening altogether or at least actively help the driver to reduce the impact of an emergency situation. Active systems give the driver more control in dangerous situations. To that end, various safety systems constantly monitor the performance and surroundings of a vehicle.
Simply put, active safety systems avoid or mitigate an accident pre-impact – so before it happens or contact is made.