There’s no doubt that speeding is one of the leading causes of fatal vehicle crashes throughout the U.S. Here in California, speed was a cause of about a third of all traffic deaths between 2017 and 2021.
Concerns about the problem of deadly speeding on California roads are what led to a bill that’s currently under consideration by state lawmakers. It would require “commencing with the 2030 model year, every passenger vehicle, motortruck, and bus manufactured, sold as new, or leased as new in the state to be equipped with a passive intelligent speed assistance system….”
The bill has passed in the California Senate and is currently in the General Assembly. Among the changes it’s undergone is a delay of the required implementation date, which was originally 2027.
What is this system?
Unlike active speed limiters, which actually prevent a vehicle from exceeding a certain speed, a passive intelligent speed assistance system (ISA) sets off a “brief, one-time, visual and audio signal” if a driver exceeds the speed limit on a road by at least 10 miles per hour.
Motorcycles, emergency vehicles and certain other vehicles are exempt from this requirement. However, the vast majority of California drivers will need to have a vehicle with one.
This kind of technology isn’t new – at least internationally. In fact, starting this year, all cars sold in the European Union must have passive ISA systems.
Drivers still need to pay attention to their speed
The system would recognize the speed limit on the stretch of road where a vehicle is traveling. Many newer vehicles already recognize the speed limit and display it for drivers. The legislation as it’s currently written, says that the system must be programmed so that if it “receives conflicting speed limits for the same area…[applies] the higher speed limit.” For example, many areas have lower speed limits when children are present than at other times.
While an extra alert can always be helpful – particularly if a driver doesn’t realize how fast they’re going, it’s still crucial to drive at a safe speed for weather and traffic conditions, even if that’s well under the posted speed limit.
If you’ve suffered injuries in a crash caused by a speeding or otherwise reckless or negligent driver, it’s crucial to make sure you don’t settle for less compensation than you’re entitled to. Having sound legal guidance can always help you protect your rights.
