Future Fords Might Detect Speeding & Report You to the Cops

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Ford is trying to patent a way for its cars to report speeding drivers to the police.

Posted by LampLighter at 11:32 AM | 29 COMMENTS | permalink

More from the article...

... A patent application from the automaker titled "Systems and Methods for Detecting Speeding Violations" was published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Jul. 18 2024, and was originally filed by Ford Jan. 12, 2023. ...

In the application, Ford discusses using cars to monitor each other's speeds. If one car detects that a nearby vehicle is being driven above the posted limit, it could use onboard cameras to photograph that vehicle.

A report containing both speed data and images of the targeted vehicle could then be sent directly to a police car or roadside monitoring units via an Internet connection, according to Ford. ...

#1 | Posted by LampLighter at 2024-07-30 01:18 PM

If one car detects that a nearby vehicle is being driven above the posted limit, it could use onboard cameras to photograph that vehicle.

So it'll target other people's cars? Fine by me.

No one will report my car, though, right? Right?

#2 | Posted by censored at 2024-07-30 03:52 PM

I like this idea.

As someone that isn't above the law, I say it's about time.

#3 | Posted by oneironaut at 2024-07-30 04:52 PM

# 3

Well I guess that cancels you out.

#4 | Posted by shoeless at 2024-07-30 06:30 PM

@#3 ... As someone that isn't above the law ...

That's my concern with it.

Who is the accuser in the scenario where a car reports another vehicle to the police?

Who is the accused? The car?

Does this give the police a carte blanche to believe the alleged transgression that was reported to them?

What about false positives?

Can the "evidence" faked by hackers?

etc.

#5 | Posted by LampLighter at 2024-07-30 06:30 PM

It would be simpler just to report the car the system is mounted in.

The last thing we need is a bunch of Karens playing pretend traffic cop on the highway.

#6 | Posted by REDIAL at 2024-07-30 06:49 PM

How fast is a stock mustang?

www.hotcars.com

Coming from a manufacturer that produces vehicles that can exceed the speed limit 2-3X.

#7 | Posted by mattm at 2024-07-30 07:45 PM

In certain situations, acceleration is key.

#8 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2024-07-30 09:34 PM

@#8 ... In certain situations, acceleration is key. ...

Yeah, acceleration is cool.

But...

Why does the speedometer of my car go up to 155mph?

#9 | Posted by LampLighter at 2024-07-30 10:07 PM

Why does the speedometer of my car go up to 155mph?

Toxic masculinity.

Ford reporting people to the police will end Ford. Not that it deserves to exist based on the absolute garbage they manufacture.

#10 | Posted by Nixon at 2024-07-31 08:14 AM

I'll give you are real world example...

2001 Ford... replaced oil pump twice, back quarter panels rotted out and repaired twice, cam synchronizer replaced, leather wrap fell off both back doors, left rear power door lock actuator arm replaced three times, front springs replaced twice, rear springs once, battery died first week of brand new ownership. Traded in at 72,000 miles when oil pump started failing for a third time.

2011 Kia... replaced a rusty hose clamp. Traded in at 98,000 miles. Still looked brand new inside and out and got 34 mpg.

#11 | Posted by Nixon at 2024-07-31 08:21 AM

"Why does the speedometer of my car go up to 155mph?"

#9 | POSTED BY LAMPLIGHTER

So you can get to work on time. :)

#12 | Posted by shane at 2024-07-31 08:29 AM

Why does the speedometer of my car go up to 155mph?

#9 | Posted by LampLighter at 2024-07-30 10:07 PM | Reply

Because you haven't gone digital. A lot of digital setups don't have a maximum theoretical speed listed. Unless you've got W tires on you're not getting to 155mph.

#13 | Posted by sitzkrieg at 2024-07-31 08:30 AM

There's really multiple answers to that question. One of them is marketing. The others include the need to reflect real capability and standardization between models. Why have that capability in a street car is a little bit of a different question imho. Acceleration and weight are terrible for the environment, energy efficiency, and safety.

#14 | Posted by sitzkrieg at 2024-07-31 08:36 AM

Hah! Another reason to keep driving my KIA.

#15 | Posted by earthmuse at 2024-07-31 11:38 AM

Why does the speedometer of my car go up to 155mph?

Because analogue gauges are set up so the normal operating range is mid-scale.

#16 | Posted by REDIAL at 2024-07-31 11:43 AM

I used to have a 65 mustang fastback with a 350 Windsor and a Hurst shifter 4 on the floor with side pipes and flames in the side. Coolest fastest car I ever owned. After I sold it the guy I sold it to crashed it into a guardrail going too fast.

The Gawds know I really loved that FORD. But if my Ford was to ever rat me out to the police I guaranGodDamnTee it would be Found On the Road Dead.

#17 | Posted by donnerboy at 2024-07-31 11:59 AM

I really hope they're just patenting this to keep other car companies from doing something this stupid.

Because if they actually do it, there will be a LOT of burned out Fords.

#18 | Posted by DarkVader at 2024-07-31 12:20 PM

When I read the title to my wife she asked: "Why would anyone buy that car?" As posted in #10, it WILL end Ford.

#19 | Posted by Yodagirl at 2024-07-31 12:36 PM

Probably not just Ford. I can shut it off, but my Chevy already tells me when I've exceeded 80 MPH. I have no doubt that it's only a few lines of code away from transmitting that information to OnStar.

#20 | Posted by Whatsleft at 2024-07-31 12:39 PM

But if my Ford was to ever rat me out to the police

It's far more likely it would report it to your insurance company.

#21 | Posted by REDIAL at 2024-07-31 12:42 PM

I can't imagine any prospective car owner will look at this and say now I need to own a Ford and pay up front for big brother technology that will cost me money and driver tickets if I inadvertently happen to slightly speed. These people are as stupid as the inventors of Bud lite commercial. We have enough enough big brother. We don't need to pay for more.

#22 | Posted by Robson at 2024-07-31 12:47 PM

Re 21.

Even worse. I bet my ford would suddenly and mysteriously catch fire too.

#23 | Posted by donnerboy at 2024-07-31 12:48 PM

I am ready for an electric but I won't buy one until the tuners can tune garbage like this out. I am sorry but the collection and sale of data is not what I am signing up for with a vehicle.

And really this is just another reason why I am done with "new cars". Looking for a 20 year old vehicle right now - pre-direct injection ICE at least.

#24 | Posted by GalaxiePete at 2024-07-31 05:22 PM

#24: I bought a 2001 Dodge Dakota in the spring. 100,000 miles on it, factory paint underneath spotless (Arizona all it's life), built like a little tank-it'll outlive me and I can actually do my own repairs! No new tech vehicles for this old geezer!

#25 | Posted by Yodagirl at 2024-07-31 06:31 PM

#22 | Posted by Robson at 2024-07-31 12:47 PM | Reply | Flag:

When it's government mandated and backed by the unions producing them, you're going to suck on it and tell them how much you like it.

#26 | Posted by sitzkrieg at 2024-07-31 07:43 PM

This sounds like a plan made by insurance companies.

#27 | Posted by RightisTrite at 2024-08-01 05:59 AM

In Finland there are metal boxes on posts scattered here and there along the road side. These are speed cameras that make sure you are at or below the speed limit, and ready to issue a very expensive speeding ticket if you are speeding. Fines are based on your income, not some pre-defined and, for the rich, very insignificant sum. A Finnish multi-millionaire was fined $129,400, for going 20 mph over the speed limit. The recorded speed was 51 mph in a 31 mph zone (82 km/hr in a 50 km/hr zone).

My Finnish friends are very careful not to exceed to speed limit, and limit their drinking if they are driving.

#28 | Posted by lduvall at 2024-08-01 10:08 AM

That will help their sales lol

#29 | Posted by THEBULL at 2024-08-01 04:21 PM

Drudge Retort Headlines

This Is Post-Roe America (173 comments)

Central Park 5 Sue Trump for Defamation (73 comments)

U.S. Infant Deaths Rose After Fall of Roe v. Wade (59 comments)

Harris Leads Trump 2-1 Among the Earliest Voters (36 comments)

Trump Talking About Arnold Palmer's Private Parts is Just Weird (36 comments)

McDonald's Donald Trump Worked at Failed Last Health Inspection (30 comments)

Guardrails Will Avert Manipulation of Election Outcome (30 comments)

Trump Calls Judge 'evil' for Releasing Files Before Election (24 comments)