In an effort to curb the rising number of fatal accidents due to speeding, Washington state lawmakers have introduced a bill that would require certain drivers to equip their vehicles with speed-limiting devices. House Bill 1596, heard in the House Transportation Committee, aims to impose “intelligent speed assistance devices” on cars of drivers with a history of speeding.
So can your vehicles be turned off as well?? Dangerous bill. Washington state lawmakers propose requiring speed-limiting devices in cars of drivers with speeding history https://t.co/mTdNBqZafG
— deborah green (@NewaiGreen) February 2, 2025
The proposed legislation would force drivers who have repeatedly violated speed limits to install a device that uses GPS technology to cap the vehicle’s speed according to the legal limits of the area they are driving in. These drivers would be allowed to exceed the speed limit up to three times a month.
The bill targets drivers who receive a new restricted license under this law, similar to how ignition interlock devices are mandated for drivers with a history of drunk driving. Additionally, drivers could face court orders to install these devices if they have been caught racing or “excessive speeding,” defined as going at least 20 mph over the speed limit.
Democratic state Representative Mari Leavitt, one of the bill’s prime sponsors, emphasized the necessity of such measures, stating, “We’re losing Washingtonians and family members are losing loved ones unnecessarily, tragically and preventably… These aren’t accidents; they’re intentionally folks choosing behavior that is harming and often killing folks.”
Washington state lawmakers propose requiring speed limiting devices in cars of drivers with speeding history – https://t.co/p8tD6ikMyD
— conservativeinsights.net (@coninsights_net) February 2, 2025
Supporting the proposal, data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission in 2023 indicates that one in three fatal crashes in the state involved speeding drivers. The trend of such incidents has only increased since 2019.
However, the bill has not yet been scheduled for a vote out of committee, indicating it’s still in the discussion phase. Representative Leavitt argued that the device would not only save lives but also allow these drivers to continue driving safely, “We want to find a way for them to be able to drive lawfully, but safely. And having them on the road in a safe manner is going to save lives.”
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Washington state lawmakers propose requiring speed-limiting devices in cars of drivers with speeding history https://t.co/RaSidSUOdp #FoxNews
— ExtremeCakesOfPetal (@extremecakespet) February 2, 2025
This legislative move has stirred debate, with some posts on X highlighting concerns over privacy and government overreach, while others see it as a necessary step towards safer roads.
The impact of this bill, if passed, would be significant, aiming to change behaviors among the state’s most reckless drivers by ensuring they cannot exceed speed limits, potentially preventing future tragedies.
Article generated from legacy media reports.
