Key Takeaways
- A new Virginia law will allow anti-speeding devices for reckless drivers, which can be installed in vehicles as an alternative to suspending licenses.
- The Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) technology uses GPS to prevent vehicles from exceeding the speed limit on a particular stretch of road.
- The technology can be used to educate teens and convicted speeders on safe driving habits, forming a non-speeding expectation from the start.
- The Gweedo Memorial Foundation and LifeSafer ISA are partnering to promote the technology and educate teens and families on the dangers of destructive driving decisions.
- The technology is now available in Virginia and across the U.S., with the company seeking partnerships with driving schools and teen driver safety organizations.
Introduction to the New Law
A new Virginia law, set to go into effect in July, will allow anti-speeding devices to be installed in the vehicles of reckless drivers as an alternative to suspending their licenses. The Intelligent Speed Assistance Program will target the "most egregious speeders" who have been convicted of driving over 100 mph. The law aims to educate drivers on safe driving habits and prevent speeding-related accidents. Tammy McGee, executive director of the Gweedo Memorial Foundation, is thrilled to partner with LifeSafer ISA to bring this technology to Hampton Roads and promote safe driving habits among teens and families.
The Technology Behind ISA
The ISA technology uses GPS to prevent vehicles from exceeding the speed limit on a particular stretch of road. There are two variants of ISA technology: Passive ISA, which alerts drivers when they are speeding with vibrations and red signals, and Active ISA, which takes control of the vehicle’s speed, preventing it from exceeding the limit. LifeSafer, the company behind the technology, has been focused on traffic safety since 1993 and has shifted its focus to distracted driving and speeding in recent years. The company’s president, Michael Travars, calls the ISA technology "training wheels" for teenagers when they are on the road for the first time.
The Partnership Between LifeSafer and the Gweedo Memorial Foundation
The Gweedo Memorial Foundation, founded by Tammy McGee after the loss of her 16-year-old son in a car accident, aims to educate teens and families on the dangers of destructive driving decisions. The foundation has partnered with LifeSafer ISA to promote the technology and educate teens and families on safe driving habits. McGee believes that the technology can be a game-changer in preventing speeding-related accidents and promoting safe driving habits among teens. The partnership has resulted in a Teen Safety and New Technology Showcase, where teens and their families can learn about the technology and even test it out.
The Personal Story Behind the Foundation
Tammy McGee’s son, Joseph Connor "Gweedo" Guido, was killed in a car accident in 2019, along with two other 16-year-old boys. The accident occurred when the driver, who had just turned 16 and had a learner’s permit, lost control of the vehicle while driving 75 mph in a 40 mph zone. McGee was devastated by the loss and started the Gweedo Memorial Foundation to educate teens and families on the dangers of destructive driving decisions. She has since become a vocal advocate for safe driving education and has worked with Virginia legislators to pass five bills focused on teen driving safety.
The Impact of the Technology on Teen Drivers
The ISA technology has the potential to be a major breakthrough in keeping teen drivers safe on the road. Atley Wiese, a 17-year-old driver, was able to test out the technology and found it to be seamless and non-distracting. Wiese believes that the technology can help minimize distractions and risks while driving, and encourages other teenagers to prioritize safe driving habits. The technology can be used to educate teens on safe driving habits from the start, forming a non-speeding expectation that can last a lifetime.
The Future of ISA Technology
LifeSafer’s current goal is to get ISA technology to as many teens as possible. The company is now offering the technology in Virginia and across the U.S. and is seeking partnerships with driving schools and teen driver safety organizations to continue promoting lifelong safe driving habits. For more information about LifeSafer ISA or the Gweedo Memorial Foundation, individuals can visit the company’s website or contact them directly. The partnership between LifeSafer and the Gweedo Memorial Foundation is a significant step towards promoting safe driving habits among teens and families, and has the potential to save lives on the road.