Once a day, a Pennsylvania family has to bury a loved one due to a fatal speed-related crash. PennDOT's 2024 Crash Facts and Statistics reports that there were 23,427 speed-related crashes in Pennsylvania, with 357 of those being a fatal crash. This translates to 64 speed-related crashes per day. These are not just numbers, but rather preventable tragedies that devastate communities across the Commonwealth. Traditional enforcement methods – fines, license points and suspensions – have not been sufficient to deter the most dangerous drivers on road, especially repeat offenders. More can be done and should be done to prevent speeding-related crashes and save lives.  

 

Fortunately, emerging technology in speed management has provided a new avenue to address this key public safety issue -Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) systems. The ISA system uses GPS data to provide active speed limit control information and help prevent excessive speeds. I am proposing legislation that would establish a program to allow the option to install ISA systems in the cars of individuals convicted of certain speed-related offenses. This program would serve as an alternative to suspending a person’s driver’s license and would be required for some repeat offenders. 

 

Protecting Pennsylvanians is of utmost importance, and creating an ISA system-based program will help slow down drivers with habitual speeding violations for their own safety and the public’s safety. Virginia and Washington D.C. have already implemented similar programs to address speeding, and Washington State has passed ISA legislation. Pennsylvania must not fall behind in adopting proven measures that can save lives. It is time we do the same to make Pennsylvania roads safer. This legislation is not about punishment – it is about prevention.  

 

I ask that you join me in co-sponsoring this bill to make our roads and communities safer by introducing this program to reduce speeding.