A car travels along Interstate 95. The penalties imposed on triple-digit speeders vary, depending on the circumstances and the driver's traffic history. © Kris Craig/The Providence Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
(New York, NY) – A New York State Senator says new technology will cut down on traffic deaths and accidents. New speed limiting devices for cars would force reckless drivers who have multiple violations to pump the brakes. The law would put speed locks into cars of drivers who rack up 11 or more points on their license within 18 months or 16 speed camera tickets in a year.
Lawmaker Driving the Effort
Senator Andrew Gounardes is a co-sponsor of the Stop Super Speeders Act. It would place the devices into people caught speeding for as long as a year. It’s the latest effort to boost traffic safety in addition to expanding red light and speed camera programs. The bill passed in the Senate and supporters want to see the Assembly take up the issue as well. If passed, drivers would be capped at 5 mph above the speed limit. There are a number of “overrides” a driver is allowed in case of an emergency.
Andrew Gounardes (D-26). Picture courtesy NY State Senate
What Do Opponents Say?
Much of the opposition to this program is based on two root issues: deterrence and privacy. Some lawmakers believe that enforcement may prove difficult as the devices would be assigned to the driver via court order, and chronic speedsters may end up just using a different vehicle. Others say that this is yet another example of government overreach.
The Faces Behind Statistics
Senator Gounardes held a press conference pushing the New York Assembly to take action on the bill, which as previously mentioned, was already passed in the Senate. He was joined by Darnell Sealy-McCrorey, who lost his 13-year-old daughter Niyell. Niyell was killed last October by a speeding driver in Manhattan. Sealy-McCrorey says his daughter was a very loving person, who was very involved in her community and played multiple instruments.
Specs of the Tech
The device heavily relies on GPS technology to monitor local speed limits. It’s similar to ignition interlock devices that are typically given to drivers convicted of driving under the influence. The device can detect if you are going above the speed limit, and apply the brakes to slow the car down. Essentially, you can have your foot on the accelerator but still be losing speed. The offender would also be responsible for the cost of the device, roughly $1,000.
