In recent years, California roads have become more dangerous due to the increase in distraction, the number of drivers who get behind the wheel after using alcohol or drugs, and behaviors like the all-too common “street takeovers” with vehicles doing smoke-filled donuts in the middle of the road.
However, one of the most common catalysts for an auto accident is still speeding. Given the number of people who are injured and killed in speed-related crashes, it is a problem that needs to be addressed. To try and tamp down on speeding, the state is taking the approach of education and prevention. Knowing the dangers of speeding is one factor, but a second could be on the horizon and people should be aware of it and its progress.
California may implement a law for vehicles to warn speeding drivers
A recent bill was introduced that would require new vehicles sold in California to be equipped with technology to address drivers who exceed the speed limit in the state. It is a polarizing issue with some claiming that lawmakers are going too far while others applaud the attempt to address a known problem.
There are two versions of the technology. One would prevent the driver from exceeding a certain speed; the other would warn the driver when they are going beyond the speed limit. The bill was adjusted to remove the former. If the law passes, then the passive version with a warning would be put in effect.
The California legislature approved the bill. With it, new cars will issue the warning if they are at least 10 miles over the speed limit. It will begin in 2030. The National Transportation Safety Board is fully onboard with the idea. The NTSB knows the damage speeding can cause. So too does the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Statistics and research from the NHTSA show the full scope of speeding danger across the United States. In 2022 alone, more than 12,000 people lost their lives because of speeding. Over 20 years, speeding has been a factor in one in three road deaths. This goes beyond the speed limit and extends to people driving too fast for road conditions, circumstances or the time of day. If it is raining, it is obviously more dangerous to drive at excessive speed. When there is road work or the chance of more children than usual being on the road, it is also a risk.
Drivers who speed have less time to react, will reduce the effectiveness of the safety features in their vehicle, and have a greater chance of severe – even fatal – injuries. People speed for myriad reasons from being late to having a powerful automobile to simply being reckless.