California is set to become the first state in the nation to require new vehicles to alert drivers when they’re speeding. The effort to reduce deadly crashes currently awaits the governor’s signature. California lawmakers overwhelmingly passed a bill on Saturday, Aug. 31, that would mandate 2030 model-year-vehicles and beyond to include the feature.
The bill’s author, Sen. Scott Wiener, D-Calif., said that it’s all in the name of safety, calling a rise in traffic deaths in the Golden State “a completely preventable tragedy.” He said he believes the law will “save lives.”
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New cars, using GPS technology, would warn drivers with visual and audio alerts each time they go 10 mph or more over the posted speed limit. However, the law would not apply to emergency vehicles, motorcycles, or passenger vehicles without GPS or front-facing cameras.
However, not everyone is supportive of this proposal. Republican lawmakers are reportedly urging Gov. Gavin Newsom, D, to veto the bill. They argue that the new law would “impose an extreme burden on the majority of responsible drivers,” instead, they said that the state should bulk up its police presence on the roads and ramp up enforcement on speeders.
Gov. Newsom has until Sept. 30 to sign or veto the legislation.
