Satellites Will Issue Speeding Tickets from Space [Speeding]

UK drivers had better stay under that speed limit, because the traffic authorities are watching… from outer space. According to The Telegraph, an American company called PIPS Technology has developed a system that uses two cameras on the ground and one mounted on a satellite in orbit to catch speeders.

The system — called “SpeedSpike” — figures your average speed between two points, captures an image of your license place and reports you if you’re going faster than the law allows. Oh, and if you’re hoping Great Britain’s notoriously gray weather will save you, you’re out of luck; the system works even when it’s cloudy or dark.

SpeedSpike will be tested in two places: the London borough of Southwark, and along the A374 between Torpoint and Anthony in Cornwall. If the trial is successful, the tech may be used to enforce speed limits near schools, to reduce the need for speed bumps, and for “main road enforcement for traffic reduction.”

[Mashable, image courtesy of iStockphoto, Snaprender]

Speed Limit Sign Displays Days In Hospital Based On Your Car Speed [Displays]

These 25mph speed limit signs are equipped with a speed radar and a number display. Nothing strange about that, really. Until you notice that the billboard displays horrible figures—like days in hospital or crash bills—based on your speed.

I don't know how it calculates the numbers. Maybe it's just a speed display, maybe it uses some logic to come up with the accident bills costs or the chance of a crash. I do know, however, that people respond to fear more than to fines. 46 days in the hospital won't be fun at all, so grab your steering wheel with both hands, and please drive safely. [Direct Daily]