Disaster as California Governor Vetoes Speed-Limiters Bill

Monday, 30 September 2024, 10:05

Disaster struck for road safety as California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed the proposed speed-limiters law, SB-961. This bill aimed to mandate intelligent speed assistance systems in vehicles to enhance road safety and reduce accidents. Despite significant traffic fatalities attributed to speeding, Newsom cited federal regulations as a barrier to implementing this life-saving measure.
Jalopnik
Disaster as California Governor Vetoes Speed-Limiters Bill

California's Speed-Limiters Law Vetoed

In a significant disaster for road safety, California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed SB-961 on Saturday. If signed into law, this bill would have mandated that every vehicle built, sold, or leased in California be equipped with a passive intelligent speed assistance system by the 2030 model year.

SB-961 defined these systems as providing warnings to drivers exceeding the posted speed limit by 10 miles per hour rather than actively slowing the vehicle. California faced a deadly year in 2022, with crashes linked to speeding resulting in 12,151 fatalities, marking 28.6 percent of overall traffic deaths according to NHTSA.

Federal Regulations Undermine Local Initiatives

Despite its potential to curb fatalities, Newsom stated that adding California-specific mandates would risk creating conflicting regulations with federal guidelines managed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. He expressed concerns about disrupting ongoing assessments of intelligent speed assistance systems.

  • 51% of likely voters opposed speed-limiting devices.
  • SB-961 would only issue warnings, not take control of the vehicle.

Mike Spagnola, President of SEMA, emphasized that Californians prefer vehicle control rather than being controlled, urging legislators to reconsider the bill due to its unpopularity.


This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.


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