A proposed bill in Washington state seeks to combat speeding-related fatalities by requiring drivers with a history of exceeding speed limits to install speed-limiting devices in their vehicles.
A bill proposed in the Washington state legislature aims to address the issue of speeding-related accidents by mandating the installation of speed-limiting devices in vehicles driven by repeat offenders. House Bill 1596, spurred by a perceived increase in fatal crashes attributed to speeding, would require drivers with a history of exceeding speed limits to equip their cars with an 'intelligent speed assistance device'.
This device, utilizing GPS technology, would cap the vehicle's speed, allowing for up to three permissible exceedances per month. The bill outlines scenarios where drivers would be required to install the device. These include individuals obtaining a newly restricted license under the bill's provisions, akin to ignition interlock devices used for drivers with a history of drunk driving. Additionally, drivers placed on probation following license suspension due to racing or 'excessive speeding'—defined as driving at least 20 mph over the limit—would also be subject to the requirement. Furthermore, courts could order the installation of such devices as part of a driver's sentencing. Proponents of the bill, including Democrat state Rep. Mari Leavitt, a prime sponsor, emphasize the urgency to curb speeding-related fatalities. Leavitt argues that these incidents are not mere accidents but a consequence of deliberate choices that endanger lives. Data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission in 2023 reveals the alarming statistic that one in three fatal crashes in the state involved a speeding driver. The overall number of fatal crashes, including those involving speeding, has shown a concerning upward trend since 2019. Shelly Baldwin, a representative from the commission, testified before the committee, highlighting the escalating problem of speeding. She pointed to a 200% surge in tickets issued to drivers exceeding the speed limit by 50 mph or more between 2019 and 2024. Republican state Rep. Gloria Mendoza voiced concerns about the effectiveness of the bill in promoting safety by allowing repeat offenders to continue driving. She questioned the logic of aiding drivers in regaining their licenses while simultaneously allowing them to operate vehicles at potentially dangerous speeds. Leavitt countered Mendoza's concerns by stating that the goal is to facilitate lawful and safe driving practices. She believes that having these drivers on the road with the speed limiters will ultimately save lives by preventing them from exceeding safe speeds. The bill is still awaiting a vote to advance out of the committee
SPEED LIMITERS WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATION TRAFFIC SAFETY FATAL CRASHES
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