Controversial Proposed Law in New York Could Limit Speeders
At one point or another, most people have driven over the posted speed limit. But, when someone gets issued a speeding ticket, it is usually enough of a deterrent to make them think twice about putting the pedal to the metal again.
Unfortunately, some drivers disregard car safety and continue to speed regardless of the consequences. In New York, speeding has become a serious problem that several state lawmakers are trying to crack down on. A controversial proposed law could change how chronic speeders get punished, but not everyone is on board with the drastic measure.
How the proposed law would limit drivers from speeding
At a recent press conference, New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes (D-Brooklyn) and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher (D-Brooklyn) announced the proposed law to restrict reckless driving by implementing speed limiters on the vehicles of chronic offenders. A limiter prevents a car from exceeding a pre-determined speed.
CBS News reported, “Under the proposed legislation, drivers who accumulate six or more speeding tickets in a year or 11 or more points on their license in 18 months would have to install the device.”
The proposed legislation suggests installing the device for one year and limiting the car’s ability to go no more than five miles over the posted speed limit. In New York City, the speed limit is 25 mph, but traffic cameras do not issue a traffic ticket until drivers exceed the limit by 11 mph or run a red light.
According to AMNY, Senator Gounardes stated, “If you have a demonstrated history of speeding throughout our city’s streets, of driving recklessly throughout our city’s streets, we are going to literally force you to slow down.”
How the proposed legislation could be seen as government overreach
Limiting vehicle speed is not a new concept, and the technology has been available for several decades. Some newer vehicles are equipped with Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) technology, and in Europe, all cars manufactured after July 2024 must have ISA installed.
According to Kelley Blue Book, every year since 2019, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recommended installing speed limiters on all passenger vehicles, but the proposal has never been adopted in the United States. The NTSB can only make suggestions, and it would take an act of Congress to make the plan law.
Some consider the proposed legislation in New York an overreach from the government. In Montana, Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont) recently introduced the DRIVE Act to prevent the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) from mandating speed limiters on commercial vehicles. The senator said, “Overreaching, out of touch D.C. mandates oftentimes make truckers’ jobs harder and can even put their lives at risk.”
How speed inhibiters can make roads safer
Others believe restricting speed limits in vehicles can make roads safer and save lives. According to CBS News, “speed is a contributing factor of 30% of traffic fatalities.”
New York would be the first state to implement a speed inhibiter system for repeat offenders. The legislation is modeled after New York laws that require chronic drunk drivers to install breathalyzers in their vehicles. If the driver attempts to drive while intoxicated or impaired and cannot pass the test, the car is unable to start.
Undoubtedly, everyone has a different viewpoint regarding speed inhibitors.
