Key Takeaways:
- Speeding has been involved in approximately one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities over the past two decades.
- Safety advocates are pushing for a change in the law to require repeat offenders to install speed-limiting technology.
- The proposed Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) legislation would allow judges to require certain speeders to install technology that helps drivers maintain safe speeds.
- The technology uses GPS and digital maps to monitor speed limits and can prevent cars from exceeding them.
- Several states, including Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Washington State, have already enacted ISA legislation.
Introduction to the Problem of Speeding
Speeding has been a major contributor to motor vehicle fatalities for over two decades, with approximately one-third of all fatalities involving speeding. Safety advocates are now pushing for a change in the law to address this issue, particularly when it comes to repeat offenders, often referred to as "super speeders." These individuals pose a significant risk on the road, and advocates believe that requiring them to install speed-limiting technology could help reduce the number of fatalities.
A Personal Story of Loss
Chuck Isbell knows the devastating impact of dangerous driving firsthand. In 2020, his son, Nate, was hit and killed by a car while trick-or-treating on Halloween. This tragic loss has driven Isbell to turn his grief into action, and he is now advocating for changes in the law to prevent similar tragedies from occurring. Through his work with local groups like Walk Bike Nashville and Families for Safe Streets, Isbell has met other families who have been impacted by dangerous driving, and he believes that speeding is often a contributing factor.
The Proposed Solution: Intelligent Speed Assistance
Isbell and other advocates are pushing for state lawmakers to pass the Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) legislation. This technology is designed for repeat speeding offenders and uses GPS and digital maps to monitor speed limits and prevent cars from exceeding them. The system can be set up to alert drivers when they are speeding, and in some cases, it can even prevent the car from going too fast. Isbell believes that this technology could save lives and prevent families from going through the same pain that he has experienced.
How ISA Works
The ISA technology is similar to the interlock device that is used for DUI offenders. It monitors the driver’s speed and has a 99% accuracy rate in determining the speed limit in a given area. The system can be set up to alert the driver when they are speeding, and it can even prevent the car from exceeding the speed limit. Isbell believes that this technology is a more effective way to address speeding than revoking licenses, which often does not stop people from driving.
Support for ISA Legislation
Several states, including Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Washington State, have already enacted ISA legislation. Isbell is hopeful that Tennessee will follow suit and is asking people to reach out to their local lawmakers to support the bill. There is also a petition available for those who want to show their support for the legislation. Isbell believes that this technology could save lives and prevent families from experiencing the same tragedy that he has faced.
Conclusion
The issue of speeding is a serious one, and it is clear that something needs to be done to address it. The proposed ISA legislation offers a potential solution, and it is gaining support from safety advocates and lawmakers across the country. By requiring repeat offenders to install speed-limiting technology, we can help reduce the number of fatalities on our roads and make our communities safer for everyone. As Isbell said, "One life saved is plenty, but if it can save up to 50%, yeah, that would be great as well."
