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- Newsom vetoes bill requiring speeding alerts in new cars (newsbreak.com)
California Governor Vetoes Speed Limit Alert Bill
Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed a bill that aimed to reduce traffic deaths by requiring new cars to alert drivers when they exceed the speed limit. The proposal would have mandated audible beeps at speeds 10 mph or more over the limit, starting in 2030.
Newsom cited potential disruptions to federal safety assessments as his reason for the veto. He also noted that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is currently evaluating speed assistance systems.
Opponents of the bill argued that such regulations should be handled at the federal level. Concerns were also raised about increased vehicle costs and driver distraction.
Despite the veto, the technology used in the proposed alert system has been implemented in both the US and Europe. The European Union will mandate the technology in all new cars starting in July, though drivers can disable it.
According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, 10% of car crashes in 2021 were related to speeding. In California, 35% of traffic fatalities involved speeding.
Supporters of the bill, including Democratic Senator Scott Wiener, expressed disappointment and believe the veto sets back street safety efforts. The technology, known as intelligent speed assistance, uses GPS to compare a vehicle’s speed with posted limits.
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- Newsom vetoes bill requiring speeding alerts in new cars (newsbreak.com)