Siemens VDO has developed a traffic recognition system that alerts drivers when they are driving faster than the speeding limit. A front-mounted camera constantly scans the roads ahead, looking for posted speed limits on traffic signs, then relaying the data via a head-up display and warning drivers to slow down if they are speeding.

Many new vehicles are already equipped with active cruise control, which can sense and slow down the car or hit the brakes to avoid collisions. The Traffic Sign Recognition system will also be able to dynamically adjust speed in relation to the information it sees, if the driver wishes. The danger of such a system, though, is it doesn't take into account situations where speeding may be necessary.

The product is currently in pre-pilot mode. Siemens VDO plans to start production on the new system as early as 2008. Other companies and educational institutions have been working on similar systems, but Siemens' close ties to the automotive industry makes them the most likely candidate of getting a product to market.

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