Big Brother Taking Another Step

Creep Press ^ | 10/9/07 | Mike Wedland

[School of Rational Thought]

OnStar technology can stop fleeing vehicle October 9, 2007

BY MIKE WENDLAND

Convergence Editor and Technology Columnist

OnStar has announced a bold new technology that can activate at the request of law enforcement and bring a high speed chase to a rapid halt by disconnecting the accelerator of a stolen vehicle.

OnStar’s new Stolen Vehicle Slowdown is being hailed by police and emergency responders as a major safety tool that will help save lives. There are more than 30,000 high speed chases in the U.S. each year, resulting in some 300 fatalities. The technology will be introduced on 1.7 million GM models starting next year. I got a sneak peek at how it works at the General Motors Proving Grounds in Milford. Here’s a special edition of the Techcast that shows you how it works:

[School of Rational Thought]

Why don't they make us all wear collars that do the same thing?

[Brilliant]

Putting criminals in jail is precisely the kind of thing I want Big Brother to do.

[gridlock]

When fast cars are outlawed, only outlaws will have fast cars.

[meyer]

Stolen vehicles today, political enemies tomorrow. Reject this vigorously.

[gridlock]

Why don't they make us all wear collars that do the same thing?

[Robert DeLong]

Hmmm, I disagree with you on this one. I think this is a wonderful tool that can be used to stop a person fleeing from the police. I assume if you had a loved one killed by someone fleeing a crime, however large or small that crime my be, you would change your tune too.

[Robert DeLong]

I hardly think that cops chase down political enemies. If the time comes that they do then it will mean we have lost our freedoms anyway.

[prisoner6]

What happenes if someone smashes the OnStar antenna, cuts the cable or otherwise puts the unit out of service?

Just wondering...

prisoner6

[Thinkin' Gal]

Why don't they make us all wear collars that do the same thing?

[bikerman]

Whats to prevent a malfunction of an innocent driver trying to pass a semi.

[Wolfie]

Next, OnStar disables your car when you go over the speed limit.

[Revelation 911]

i want a collar ;)

[gridlock]

What collar?!? She’s wearing a collar?

[Robert DeLong]

Well then Onstar will be sued and will probably stop participating in the program, however, I think you are grasping for straws with your what if scenario.

[saganite]

So now a thief has to disable the On Star reciever in the stolen car. No big deal. A hammer should accomplish the trick but most thieves aren’t very smart.

[kidao35]

Robert De Long;

No, really, why wouldn’t you be for the collars then? They could be used to shock a criminal BEFORE he/she kills your loved one.

Wouldn’t that be better?

[CORedneck]

If she is still alive, I bet she is an old bag ! The actor was probably in her 30’s or 40’s which was back in the late 1960’s.

[CDHart]

"Why don't they make us all wear collars that do the same thing?"

Don't worry. It's only a matter of time.

Carolyn

[Girlene]

Why don't they make us all wear collars that do the same thing? - Shhhhhh, don't give anybody ideas.

[BohDaThone]

"on Star" doesn't decide anything. YOU, as the car owner, decide whether you want OnStar and what services you want. If you want the guy who steals your car to come to a screeching, or coasting, stop, more power to you.

Now, if the government wants to require this in all cars, that's a whole different kettle of worms!