Governor Gavin Newsom recently vetoed a bill that would have required new vehicles to alert drivers when they exceed the speed limit, which could help prevent serious car accidents. If signed into law, California would have been the first state to mandate that all new cars, trucks, and buses sold from 2030 onward be equipped with a speeding alert system. The purpose of the bill is to curb traffic-related deaths by having vehicles emit an alert whenever drivers surpass the speed limit by at least 10 mph.
In his veto message, Newsom explained that federal regulations already govern vehicle safety standards. Adding state-specific requirements could create an inconsistent set of rules. He stated that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is already looking into speed alert systems. Therefore, enforcing state-level mandates now could interfere with those ongoing federal assessments.
What opposition has the speeding alert technology law faced?
Automotive groups and the California Chamber of Commerce were among those opposing the bill. They argued that such regulations should be established at the federal level. Earlier this year, the federal government introduced new requirements for automatic emergency braking systems. Opponents felt that this was a more uniform approach to enhancing road safety. Some lawmakers were also concerned that the bill would drive up the cost of new vehicles and distract drivers with excessive alerts.
Given California's position as a major car market, the legislation could have had a national impact, as automakers would likely adjust vehicle designs to comply. California has a long history of influencing national automotive policy, having set its own emissions standards for decades—a policy that over a dozen states have adopted. When California announced plans to phase out gas-powered vehicles, several major automakers also committed to moving away from fossil fuels.
State Senator Scott Wiener, who introduced the bill, expressed disappointment over Newsom's veto, calling it a missed opportunity for leadership in street safety. He likened the proposed measure to Wisconsin's pioneering seatbelt law in 1961, suggesting that California had an opportunity to set a similar precedent.
How would the speeding alert system have worked?
The proposed Intelligent Speed Assistance system would have used GPS technology to compare the vehicle's speed with known posted speed limits. When a driver exceeded the limit by 10 mph, an audio and visual alert would be activated. The state would have needed to maintain an updated database of posted speed limits, but ensuring the accuracy of data for local roads and recent changes was a significant challenge for the bill.
Intelligent Speed Assistance technology is not entirely new; the European Union made it mandatory for all new vehicles beginning this year. However, in Europe, drivers are allowed to disable the system if they choose. In the U.S., several automakers—including Ford, BMW, and Nissan—already offer speed limit alerts in certain models.
What role does speeding play in car accidents?
Speeding remains a major factor in traffic accidents. According to the NHTSA, speeding contributed to 12,151 traffic fatalities across the nation in 2022. That accounted for 29% of all road deaths in the U.S.
Speeding is one of the most dangerous behaviors on the road. It increases the risk of serious and fatal crashes due to:
- Less reaction time
- Increased stopping distance
- Greater impact force in a collision
- Reduced control over a vehicle
- Less effectiveness of safety features such as seatbelts and airbags
Attorneys who go the distance for California crash victims
While efforts to curb speeding through technology are still being debated, the reality remains that speeding continues to cause devastating accidents across California. When these preventable crashes happen, victims are left dealing with serious injuries, financial burdens, and emotional distress.
If you've been injured in a speed-related car accident in California, you deserve more than just compensation—you deserve justice. At Clancy & Diaz, LLP, we're here to take the stress off your shoulders. Our dedicated legal team has successfully handled numerous car accident cases, and we know how to deal with stubborn insurance companies to get meaningful results for our clients, such as:
- Over $2.6 million in a car accident case
- $1.8 million in another car accident case
- Nearly $1.5 million for a pedestrian struck by a large truck
Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay a cent unless we win your case. The road to recovery is tough, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Contact us online or call us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice. With offices in Walnut Creek, Antioch, Pittsburg, and Benicia, our car accident lawyers proudly serve crash victims throughout California's Bay Area.