Driving laws
Would speed limiters make our roads safer?
From July 2024, the EU has introduced new legislation making intelligent speed assists mandatory for all cars.
Every 16 minutes, someone is killed or seriously injured on UK roads. At Slater and Gordon, we have seen the impact road traffic collisions have had on individuals and their families and continue to advocate and support those who have been affected.
On 6th July 2022, speed limiters became a legal requirement for all new cars manufactured in Europe. Now, new legislation has come into effect, whereby from 7th July 2024 onwards, all car manufacturers will be legally required to ensure any cars on sale in their showrooms have speed limiters fitted.
This means that any showroom cars without speed limiters will need to have the technology retrofitted with an Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) before they can be sold, according to the 2019/2144 regulation by the European Commission.
While this does not apply to Great Britain, the Department for Transport is always researching the latest safety-promoting technology, making this a future possibility.
Despite this technology being rolled out as mandatory within the EU, when surveyed, more than half (56.7%) are unfamiliar with Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) technology in cars.
What is a speed limiter and how do they work?
Intelligent Speed Assistant (ISA), speed limiter technology, uses GPA data and/or sign recognition cameras to determine the maximum speed allowed in the area you are driving in. It then limits the engines power, ensuring a gradual reduction in speed, very similar to that of cruise control. The technology will send audio and visual warnings until you start driving within the speed limit.
Research we undertook, found that more than half the population (59%) would support the mandatory inclusion of ISA technology in new cars sold in the United Kingdom.
Speeding and road traffic accidents
According to the national safety council, speeding was a factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2022, killing 12,151, or an average of over 33 people on a typical day.
In a survey we conducted, we found that almost three quarters of the UK (72.3%) believed ISA technology could be effective in reducing road accidents.
With speed being the determining factor in many accidents, this type of technology could potentially help limit road traffic collisions.
Paul’s story
Paul was a Metropolitan police officer when he was involved in a road traffic collision in 2016 whilst riding his motorbike to work. The collision left him with severe injuries to his leg that ultimately led to him undergoing an amputation.
Paul was stationary at traffic lights when he was hit by a car travelling at high speed. The impact from the collision threw Paul six meters across the road, causing his bike to land on top of him.
He suffered an open fracture and over almost five years had to go through 13 surgeries, the last of which was a lower leg amputation.
After getting into contact with our personal injury team to help him with his case, Tracey Benson, Head of Serious Injury, worked with him to get the support and compensation he deserved.
Through the course of Paul’s claim, he received interim payments in excess of £300,000, which helped cover immediate expenses, loss of earnings and the rehabilitation he needed.
The defendant was identified at the scene and prosecuted. Liability was admitted by the defendants' insurers who engaged in providing rehabilitation by instructing case managers who arranged private treatment, intense rehabilitation and prosthetics.
Proceedings commenced in relation to the value of the case, and the case was finally settled a few weeks prior to a 5-day trial on quantum at the High Court. A multi-million-pound settlement was negotiated by Tracey prior to trial in respect of his injuries, loss of earnings and pension, future cost of prosthetics, accommodation needs and care.
Road accident specialists
At Slater and Gordon, our experts have experience in supporting clients who’ve suffered catastrophic injuries from a road traffic accident and helping them to achieve the compensation and support they deserve. Many members of our team have been recognised by legal accreditations, including The Legal 500 and Chambers.
If you or a loved one have suffered due to a road traffic accident, you need experts you can talk to and trust. Our team of highly experienced personal injury lawyers can take you through the claims process on a No Win No Fee basis, which means there is no financial risk to making a claim. To speak to an expert today, call us on 0330 107 6504, or contact us online.