GM's OnStar and Big Brother

[XDCX]

Has anyone else seen the OnStar commercial where the Highway Patrol stops a stolen vehicle by using OnStar to slow it down?

I guess this is a new feature that OnStar offers - the system actually has the ability to slow down vehicles that are involved in a police chase.

Can you imagine how many politicians would want to have this system installed on all cars? How long before our cars start telling the police we've been speeding?

This is a slippery slope..... :parnoid:

[F&I Pro]

It's scary what they can do with technology and to think of the ways it can be used against us.

[lsx only]

i know the new camaro has that

[dafuzz1956]

Can you say "SOCIALIST STATE" Mr Rogers ?

[XDCX]

It's scary what they can do with technology and to think of the ways it can be used against us.

Can you say "SOCIALIST STATE" Mr Rogers ?

That's my concern, too. :parnoid:

I love technology and I can see the value in OnStar's Vehicle Slow-down feature, especially if it helps stops high speed chases and saves lives.

That said, it's a slippery slope - where does it stop?

Probably the main reason I'm sensitive to this issue is because SeaDoo released a new ski last year with a GPS speedometer - a nice feature and a great use of technology. The downside is they limit the ski's top speed to 65 MPH. You could be going down-stream with a tailwind and the system still will not let the ski go over 65 MPH - it just keeps pulling the throttle back until the GPS speed is 65 MPH.

For 2010 Seadoo has added the speed-limit feature to even more skis. :mad:

It's interesting to note that skis sold outside the U.S. don't have a GPS speed limiter. Seadoo limits the U.S. skis in response to a government agreement and fears of large jury verdicts.

[F&I Pro]

Just got a new Dresser, glad that one doesn't have that technology.....

[zohpy]

On-Star actually came out with the feature on the '09 units if I recall correctly. GM changed their rebate form for verbage on the On-Star slow down feature. It was on the rebate form because you got 3-12 mos free On-Star service depending on when you purchased.
Customer had the ability to opt out of the slow down feature but, once it was turned off it couldn't be turned back on. I was always supprised they didn't advertise it in '09. Guess it was a trial period for that MY. :confused:

[XDCX]

I was always supprised they didn't advertise it in '09. Guess it was a trial period for that MY. :confused:

I wasn't even aware of it until I saw the TV commercial. I guess most customers would find the slow down feature to be valuable, I'm just keep thinking "what will they do next...." :parnoid:

Concerning Big Brother, I've been spending some time in Phoenix and I cannot believe how many mobile "photo-radar" sites I've driven by - I HATE them. :mad:

For those who have never seen them, the Arizona Highway Patrol sets up a Ford Escape on the side of the road that has a built-in photo-radar system. Then they set up warning signs about a mile in advance - if you don't see the warning sign and drive by too fast you can expect a ticket in the mail.