Advanced speed assistance technology to cut traffic accidents in California

California has taken a significant step toward reducing traffic fatalities by mandating speed assistance technology in all new cars and trucks

A new bill in California has taken a significant step toward implementation, aiming to reduce traffic fatalities by mandating speed assistance technology in all new cars and trucks sold in the state. On August 7, the Assembly Appropriations Committee approved the bill with a vote of 9-4, and Senate lawmakers have already approved it.

Senator Scott Wiener, a Democrat from San Francisco and the proponent of SB961, argues that this measure is crucial for addressing the traffic safety crisis in California, where over 4,000 people die on the roads annually. Speed is a factor in about one-third of these deaths. Wiener highlights the growing concern by noting that traffic fatalities in the state increased by 22% between 2019 and 2022, compared to a 19% increase nationwide.

Passive intelligent speed assistance system

Originally, the bill included a mandate for speed regulators that would limit vehicle speed according to the road’s speed limit. However, after receiving concerns about implementing this technology, the bill was amended to require, instead of speed regulators, a “passive intelligent speed assistance” system. This system will detect the road’s speed limit and provide a brief visual and audible alert to the driver if they exceed the limit by more than 10 mph.

All new vehicles must be equipped with this technology by 2030. Passenger vehicles without GPS or a front camera are exempt from this requirement. Additionally, the bill removed the requirement to include trucks with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 8,500 pounds that are subject to federal vehicle safety regulations.

Todd Spencer, President of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), has suggested that increased driver training might be a more effective alternative for improving road safety.

SB961 now moves to the Assembly for approval. If it passes, it will need to return to the Senate for approval of the changes before being sent to the governor for final signature.