Speed warning system irritating but effective: MoRTH

Of the many talking points on the facelifted Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, launched in August 2018, is its speed warning system. And those who have experienced the system’s intermittent warning beeps above 80kph and the constant beep above 120kph have found it irritating. However, Abhay Damle, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, has stated it is precisely the system’s nuisance value that makes it so effective.

Speaking at the Global NCAP Stop the Crash event in Delhi about the car safety initiatives introduced by the government in the past few years, Damle said, “We asked that if the maximum speed of the country is 120kph, why should drivers not be alerted when they exceed 120kph? A specific standard has been created, that, as and when the vehicle moves beyond 120kph, there will be a continuous audio alert which has to be a little irritating. And I was very pleased to see the irritating effect of one of the cars which has been developed. The moment it goes above 120kph, it makes an irritating noise which probably makes the driver reduce speed. It’s a very effective speed management system which we believe will be helpful in the future.” Damle referred to the speed warning system as an “innovative solution” to curb speeding. 

Come July 1, 2019, all cars on sale in India will be required to come fitted with a speed warning system. The speed warning system is an audible warning that sounds a beep when the vehicle exceeds a certain speed. As per standards prescribed by the Indian government, the warning is to sound for at least 1 cycle per 2 minutes when the vehicle exceeds 80kph, and then continuously for at least 1 cycle per 2 seconds when the vehicle exceeds 120kph. The system cannot be switched off or overridden. Only police vehicles, ambulances and vehicles certified with a top speed less than 80kph are exempt from the requirement of the speed warning system.  

Maruti Suzuki has been the first manufacturer to roll out the speed warning system. Following the Ciaz, the system has also been introduced on the updated S-cross.

What are your thoughts on the speed warning system? Do let us know in the comments section below.