A Holistic Inquiry of Intelligent Speed-Assist Technology: Safety Impacts, Technology Implementation, and Challenges

Speeding is a leading contributor to roadway fatalities in the United States, and California consistently ranks among states with the highest number of speed-related crashes. Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) technology has emerged as a solution aimed at mitigating this issue by notifying drivers of speed limits and, in some cases, intervening and lowering the speed to the posted speed limit. This work presents a comprehensive investigation into ISA system safety benefits, implementation challenges, and public perception, with a focus on California drivers. This study utilized a multi-method approach. A literature review explores the history, regulatory barriers, and international trails of ISA systems. A large-scale quantitative analysis was conducted on over two million consumer complaints and nearly 300,000 recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Filtering for ISA-related issues revealed over 100,000 relevant complaints and 6,000 related recalls, uncovering recurring themes including system malfunctions, override limitations, sensor and mapping errors, and unintended acceleration. An original survey of 286 licensed California drivers was administered to assess public awareness, behavioral tendencies, and attitudes towards ISA technology. While a majority of participants acknowledged the potential safety benefits of ISA, many expressed concerns regarding the loss of driver autonomy, system reliability, and data privacy. Drivers favored advisory or supportive ISA systems that provide feedback without fully controlling vehicle speed. The finding suggests that while ISA systems are well-positioned to reduce speeding and enhance road safety, their success hinges on thoughtful design, user trust, and supportive policy. As California and other states consider broader implementation, aligning driver preferences with technological capabilities and regulatory frameworks will be essential to using ISA to improve safety.