Key Highlights
- New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes is sponsoring the “Stop Super Speeders Act.”
- The bill would require temporary installation of Intelligent Speed Assistant technology for drivers with certain traffic violations.
- Initial estimates suggest around 3,000 to 4,000 vehicles could be affected by this legislation.
- Critics argue that the technology is another layer of government oversight and express concerns about enforcement.
New York Moves to Curb Speeding with Intelligent Speed Assistant Technology
State Senator Andrew Gounardes of New York has introduced a bill aimed at combating speed-related accidents by requiring Intelligent Speed Assistant (ISA) technology in the cars of repeat offenders. Known as the “Stop Super Speeders Act,” this legislation, if passed, would mandate the temporary installation of ISA devices for drivers who accumulate 11 or more points on their license within an 18-month period or receive at least 16 speed camera tickets in a year.
How Intelligent Speed Assistant Technology Functions
The ISA technology uses GPS to recognize posted speed limits. If the driver attempts to exceed these limits, the device prevents the vehicle from accelerating beyond the legal limit by up to five miles per hour (mph) above it. Senator Gounardes explains that drivers can press an override button in case of emergencies but are capped at a maximum of 15 overrides.
According to Gounardes, the technology is similar to ignition interlock devices required for drivers convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI).
Support and Criticism
The bill has already passed in the Senate and is awaiting approval from the Assembly. Backing the legislation are organizations such as Families for Safe Streets, founded by Darnell Sealy-McCrorey. His daughter Niyell was tragically killed in a car accident last fall, prompting him to advocate for measures that could have prevented her death.
“Maybe… my daughter would still be here on Earth with us if that device was installed in that driver’s car that day,” Sealy-McCrorey said. “Slow down.
Stop speeding” has become his rallying cry as he marks the anniversary of Niyell’s 15th birthday.
Supporters argue that this technology will significantly enhance road safety by targeting the worst offenders, while Senator Gounardes believes it can change driving habits among repeat speeders. However, critics point out potential loopholes and express concern about government overreach. Some lawmakers have raised questions regarding how to enforce the law without causing inconvenience to drivers who might switch their vehicles to avoid ISA technology.
Industry Context and Future Implications
The proposed legislation reflects a growing trend in the automotive industry towards vehicle safety technologies that can be remotely activated or installed. Companies like Ford, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen already offer similar features as part of their advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
“The introduction of such technology is significant because it moves beyond passive awareness to active intervention,” notes Dr. Lisa Johnson, a transportation safety expert at the University of New York. “While critics raise valid points about privacy and implementation details, the potential for saving lives cannot be ignored.”
Senator Gounardes emphasizes that this measure is not intended as punishment but rather as a means to educate drivers about the dangers of speeding.
He adds that offenders would be responsible for the approximately $1,000 cost of renting or purchasing the ISA device.
The outcome of this bill will set an important precedent in how technology can be used to address public safety issues. If successful, similar measures may be considered in other states facing high rates of speed-related accidents.
