OnStar’s “Stolen Vehicle Slowdown”
WASHINGTON, D.C. — OnStar has introduced new state-of-the-art technology that can send a signal to a stolen vehicle that will gradually reduce engine power. The technology is said to help police cut down on high-speed chases and will help to recover stolen vehicles more quickly.
The so-called “Stolen Vehicle Slowdown” will makes its debut on 1.7 million General Motors vehicles — primarily Chevrolets — in the 2009 model year. No word yet on how much the new technology will cost consumers. An OnStar advisor “working with law enforcement” will send a signal to a subscriber’s stolen vehicle to cut engine power, the GM subsidiary said in a statement. GM showed off an instrument panel that flashes “engine power is reduced” when the system is activated.
“The Stolen Vehicle Slowdown service will allow our subscribers added peace of mind by possibly preventing their vehicle from being used as an instrument of harm if it happens to be stolen,” said Chet Huber, OnStar president.
What is left unsaid is what other circumstances besides theft might prompt the activation of the system. Murder suspect O.J. Simpson’s legendary slow-speed car chase along California’s I-405 in a white Ford Bronco comes to mind as one possible example of where the system may be applicable. While the system undoubtedly will help the police, it also seems to threaten an individual’s absolute control over his or her vehicle. Civil libertarians may be appalled or alarmed over this latest radical technology.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that 30,000 police chases occur yearly and about 300 deaths occur as a result of those chases.
“We look forward to having technologies like Stolen Vehicle Slowdown available to aid our officers in apprehending suspected car thieves and keeping our officers, highways and citizens safe,” said David Hiller, national vice president of the Fraternal Order of Police.”
What this means to you: You will either welcome this new OnStar technology or see it as a scary manifestation of Big Brother grabbing control of your vehicle
Source (article): EDMUNDS INSIDE LINE
Source (picture): SINGLETRACKS.COM
Tags: Chase, Criminal, Engine, GM, High-Speed, OJ Simpson, OnStar, Police, Power, Prevention, Safety, Slowdown, stolen, Trafic, Vehicle
