For some drivers, the audible reminder of an unbuckled seatbelt in a car’s cockpit can be either a nuisance or a helpful safety feature. Similarly, Californians may soon experience a new “reminder” in their vehicles: an alert that sounds when the driver exceeds the speed limit by more than 10 miles per hour.
If Gov. Gavin Newsom approves Senate Bill 961, starting in 2030, all new vehicles sold or leased in California will be required to have a driver alert system to discourage speeding. This system will not limit the vehicle’s speed but will instead provide a “brief, one-time” audio beep and light alert when the driver surpasses the speed limit.
Known as the “passive intelligent speed assistance system,” as outlined in the Senate bill, this technology utilizes GPS data and a front-facing camera to detect the speed limit of the road and notify the driver if they exceed it by more than 10 miles per hour. Although many new vehicles already have similar technology, this mandate aims to make it a standard feature.
Exemptions will be made for certain vehicles such as trucks and motorcycles, as well as emergency vehicles. The proposed legislation, introduced by state Sen. Scott Wiener, has garnered support in the state Senate and Assembly. The decision now lies with Governor Newsom, who can either sign the bill into law or veto it.
Advocates of the bill, including the National Transportation Safety Board, believe that raising awareness about speeding can help reduce accidents and save lives. As Sen. Wiener stated, the goal is not to physically prevent speeding but to ensure that drivers are aware of their speed and the associated risks. Ultimately, the proposed driver alert system aims to promote safer driving habits and improve road safety in California.
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