Virginia Implements Technology to Slow Down Reckless Drivers, Other States Follow Suit
Despite the U.S. Department of Transportation’s recent steps backward on traffic safety, such as eliminating funding for ‘active’ transportation projects and layoffs at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), individual states are taking proactive measures. Virginia has recently passed legislation allowing judges to mandate Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) technology for drivers caught exceeding 100 mph. This move is part of a growing trend across multiple states to adopt ISA technology, garnering bipartisan support in a time of political polarization.
The safety case against speeding is clear: faster vehicles take longer to stop and cause more damage in crashes, endangering other road users. In 2022, approximately 12,000 U.S. fatalities were attributed to speeding-related crashes, nearly a third of all traffic deaths. ‘Super-speeders’ – those driving more than 20 mph over the limit – pose a significant threat. A notable example is a 2022 incident in North Las Vegas where a driver traveling at 103 mph through an intersection resulted in multiple fatalities.
Current penalties for speeding often fail to change behavior, with 75% of drivers continuing to drive despite having their licenses suspended. ISA technology addresses this by making extreme speeding difficult or impossible. It uses GPS to identify speed limits and can either warn drivers or prevent additional acceleration beyond a set threshold.
While the European Union has mandated passive ISA in all new cars since last year, the U.S. has seen federal inaction. However, state-level initiatives are gaining momentum. After California’s attempt to mandate ISA on new cars was vetoed, a new wave of bills focusing on installing active ISA in vehicles of reckless drivers is emerging. Virginia’s law, signed by Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin, allows judges to require ISA for drivers exceeding 100 mph. Similar legislation is being considered in Arizona, California, Georgia, Maryland, and New York.
This approach has political advantages, as it targets a small fraction of drivers (estimated at under 2% in New York) and doesn’t directly affect most residents. The auto industry is also less likely to oppose measures targeting specific reckless drivers rather than mandating ISA for all new vehicles.
The legislation has shown bipartisan appeal, passing in GOP-dominated Georgia and Democrat-led Washington state. Amy Cohen of Families for Safe Streets notes that the message of safety and fairness resonates across party lines: ‘We’re not taking away your car; we’re just saying that you can’t drive recklessly.’
If successful, these state-level initiatives could pave the way for broader ISA adoption, potentially including public fleets. Even a limited number of ISA-equipped vehicles could significantly impact road safety by preventing reckless acceleration.
As the Trump administration remains hostile to regulations, the state-based approach to traffic safety offers a promising alternative. Cohen remains optimistic, stating, ‘It’s inspiring to see how quickly some legislators can move. We’re pushing—and hoping that others follow suit.’
