Speed control method for vehicle approaching and traveling on a curve

A speed control system adapted for use with a vehicle having a steering wheel and operator, said system comprising:

• a map database having at least one record, wherein the record presents at least one path, said path presenting a plurality of position points, wherein a portion of the points present adjacent curve points that define a curve;
• a locator device communicatively coupled to the database, and configured to determine the location of the vehicle and match the location with a first of said points on the path, when the vehicle is located on the path;
• a controller communicatively coupled to the device and database, and configured to identify an approaching curve point and determine an allowable curve point management speed;
• and
• a steering angle module communicatively coupled to the controller, and configured to determine and communicate to the controller the current degree of rotation of the steering wheel,
• said controller being configured to determine a desired curve point management speed based in part on the allowable curve point management speed and an operator preference or vehicle characteristic input, and further configured to determine the current vehicle speed,
• said controller including an estimation module configured to estimate a future condition of the vehicle based on the current vehicle speed and degree of rotation, and presenting a closed loop system, wherein the controller is configured to compare the estimated future condition to the corresponding actual future condition, and modify the estimation module accordingly.