Every year, road accidents cause thousands of deaths, notably due to excessive speed. To deal with this phenomenon, a new device called AIV will now be integrated into all new vehicles from this month of July.
In 2023, 3,170 people were killed on French roads, according to the Statista website. The European Union has therefore decided to act by introducing major changes this summer. One of these readjustments comes into force on July 1. This involves equipping all new vehicles with a speed information and adaptation system, called the intelligent speed adapter (AIV).
According to the government, the main objective of this system is to help “the driver maintain the authorized speed on the road”, by providing “information when the speed limit is exceeded”. The operation of this new device is very simple. Using an activity system via GPS and a camera that detects traffic signs. AIV, or ISA (Intelligent Speed Assistance) in English, analyzes data, such as the speed indicated on speed limit signs or GPS map data, to make a comparison with the speed actual vehicle.
If the speeding is confirmed, the vehicle reacts automatically. On some models, a beep or a light signal will sound each time the speed is too high. On other models, the on-board system can even reduce power and make the accelerator pedal difficult to use. According to estimates from the European Commission, this new device could save up to 25,000 lives in Europe by 2038.
Is it possible to deactivate AIV?
In addition to the instructions for use, the question of whether the system can be deactivated is raised by motorists. “The basic principle should be that the driver is always responsible for complying with the applicable traffic rules and that the ISA system is a driver assistance system to alert the driver whenever possible and appropriate,” explains the text of the European Road Safety Charter. However, even if it is possible to deactivate it, l’AIV starts each time the vehicle is used again.
