Forum: Make on-board units do more to assist safe driving

My uncle was driving along the expressway when his newly installed on-board unit (OBU) beeped “Speed camera detected 100m ahead!”

I was impressed after learning about the many integrated features this device provides – alerting drivers when entering school zones, tracking vehicles’ locations, handling ERP fees and much more.

Unfortunately, for most drivers going at 90kmh on expressways, a 100m distance often does not provide enough buffer time to react. This is especially so for novice teenage drivers like me. The sudden act of braking can also raise the risk of dangerous accidents happening.

The OBU uses the Global Positioning System satellite tracking system to detect when cars cross a specific point before triggering the alert. To cater to different reaction times of drivers, it would be ideal to warn drivers approximately 300m before the speed cameras, giving more leeway for them to be mentally prepared to slow down.

I read recently about roadside crosses used in New Zealand to indicate fatal accidents that had occurred at specific spots. The crosses put in place are not only in loving memory of those who died, but are also a visual warning for drivers to be extra cautious.

Perhaps the OBUs can be programmed to alert drivers entering accident-prone zones, or when peak periods cause certain roads to be more accident-prone.

Vigilance is key and I would like to thank all drivers for doing their part in maintaining road safety. 

Jessiree Kwok Jie Ning, 19