In the United States, speeding contributes to nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities, with these incidents showing a rising trend in recent years. Some states have started exploring anti-speeding technologies, known as intelligent speed assistance (ISA), as a potential solution. However, in New York, related legislative progress has been slow. Advocates are now urging the state’s Senate to act before its session ends in June.
Recently, Virginia became the first state to authorize judges to mandate the installation of GPS-powered devices for individuals convicted of driving over 100 miles per hour. These devices limit the driver to no more than 10 miles per hour over the speed limit. This development followed Washington, D.C.’s enactment of a similar program for drivers with suspended or revoked licenses due to speeding violations.
The ISA initiative gained significant momentum in New York. Senator Andrew Gounardes introduced the “Stop Super Speeders” bill, aiming to require drivers accumulating 11 or more points to install an ISA limiting them to 5 miles per hour over the speed limit. This legislative push followed several tragic incidents, including a fatal crash involving a mother and her daughters in a crosswalk, attributable to a driver with a suspended license. The bill is currently in the Senate Transportation Committee. Recently, New York City advocates, along with some city council members, convened outside City Hall to appeal for legislative action.
Elizabeth Adams, representing Transportation Alternatives, emphasized the need for the Stop Super Speeders Bill, describing it as essential legislation to curb reckless speeding. Several other states, including Georgia, are introducing their own anti-speeding measures, with some awaiting gubernatorial approval. However, in California, Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a similar bill, citing ongoing federal evaluations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding intelligent speed assistance systems.
Amy Cohen from Families for Safe Streets noted the diversity among the proposed bills, yet highlighted the common goal of promoting safe driving without taking vehicles away from drivers.
Various ISA systems exist, ranging from alerts for speeding to systems that can stop acceleration. The National Transportation Safety Board, after investigating a fatal crash in Nevada, recommended that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration require at least the alert system in vehicles. The Board also encouraged manufacturers to install these systems in new cars, similar to a recent mandate by the European Union.
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy remarked on the importance of redundancy in saving lives, emphasizing the need for decisive action on safety recommendations.
