New crackdown driving law will force motorists to install new device

Jul 26, 2023

A NEW driving bill has been proposed to force motorists to install a new device, but critics are saying the law is too lenient.

Reckless drivers in New York City may soon be forced to put a device in their car that will limit their speed if a proposed bill becomes law.

The bill, proposed by New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblywoman Emily Gallagher, was unveiled at a press conference earlier this month.

It's aimed at repeat offenders, meaning drivers issued with at least six automated speed camera tickets or red light tickets.

It would require them to install a speed limiter, dubbed a "speed governor" on their vehicle, making it not possible to drive more than five miles over the speed limit, according to AMNY.

Since the speed limit in NYC is 25mph, cars with these devices installed in them wouldn't permit motorists to go more than 30mph.

Speaking at a press conference on August 1, Gournardes said: "There is a persistent cohort of drivers who are getting 5, 6, 7, 10, 15, 20 speeding tickets and driving on our streets recklessly without any consequences whatsoever, and just a slap on the wrist, a slap on the wrist every single time.

"These are the most dangerous drivers on our streets."

He added: “If you have a demonstrated history of speeding throughout our city’s streets, of driving recklessly throughout our city’s streets, we are going to literally force you to slow down."

Meanwhile, survivors of speed violence, also in support of this new type of intervention, were also in attendance at the press conference on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, CBS News reports

Kate Brockwehl, who was struck by a vehicle in 2017, said at the presser: "In a huge percentage of those cases, speeding was the factor that killed their loved one.

According to the proposed bill, drivers who get six or more speeding tickets in a year or 11 or more points on their license within 18 months would need to install the device.

City Councilmember Lincoln Restler explained at the news conference: "We know this type of intervention works with drunk driving.

"Breathalyzer tests where drivers can't start their car before they demonstrate they are sober. It's the same exact approach."

However, some think the rules are too forgiving.

For example, Brooklyn resident Allison Tray complained to CBS News: "That's shocking. That's like saying you have six chances to harm somebody before there is accountability."

Another resident said: "Give them three. Three is enough. After three, let's do something."

According to the news outlet, lawmakers said drives with the most offenses would need to have the device installed for at least 12 months.

Additionally, testing on NYC municipal vehicles revealed drivers with this device in their car obeyed the speed limit 99% of the time.