The California Senate has recently passed Bill 961, authored by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), which mandates that all new cars manufactured or sold in California be equipped with “passive speed governors,” also referred to as “intelligent speed assistance systems.” This bill, officially known as SB 961, proposes a system that utilizes a brief, one-time visual and audio signal to alert drivers each time they exceed the speed limit by more than 10 miles per hour. This approach aims to address the issue of speeding without physically limiting the vehicle’s speed, unlike traditional electronic limiters.
Current Speed Governors and the New System
Most modern vehicles already come equipped with speed governors that cap speeds at around 120 mph or 155 mph. These limiters are typically set via software in the car’s engine control unit (ECU), but they are set so high that they don’t effectively prevent speeding in everyday driving situations. The proposed intelligent speed assistance system in California’s new law aims to take a more proactive approach to speed management by alerting drivers rather than limiting their speed mechanically.
Senator Wiener’s office has highlighted that this bill builds on similar requirements set to take effect in the European Union (EU) starting in July. The bill was also crafted based on recommendations from several authoritative bodies, including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the American Academy of Pediatrics, and AAA.
The Rationale Behind the Bill
“California, like the nation as a whole, is seeing a horrifying spike in traffic deaths, with thousands of drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians dying each year on our roads,” stated Senator Wiener. “These deaths are preventable, and they’re occurring because of policy choices to tolerate dangerous roads. The evidence is clear: Rising levels of dangerous speeding are placing all Californians in danger, and by taking prudent steps to improve safety, we can save lives. I thank my colleagues for their support.”
Wiener’s statement underscores a growing concern about traffic safety in California and across the United States. By implementing intelligent speed assistance systems, the bill aims to curb dangerous speeding, which is a significant factor in traffic fatalities.
Comparison with European Regulations
It’s important to note that the EU’s regulations mandate a system known as Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA), which is designed to work with the driver without restricting their ability to control the vehicle at any moment. The driver retains the ability to override the ISA system easily. However, the text of SB 961 does not mention any possibility for the driver to override the system, although it does specify that the requirement would not apply to emergency vehicles and similar exceptions.
Current Presence of Speed-Limiting Features
Speed-limiting features are already present in many European cars sold in the United States, such as those from BMW, Mercedes, and Volvo. These systems can typically be turned off by the user through the settings menu, although they often reset to being on by default each time the vehicle is started. These systems usually employ a camera that reads traffic signs, GPS data, or both, to determine local speed limits and provide warnings accordingly.
Legislative Process and Future Implementation
The bill passed in the Senate with a 22-13 vote and now moves to the Assembly, where it must pass by August 31, 2024. If the bill passes in the Assembly, it will go into effect in 2032, with a 50 percent phase-in by 2029. This timeline allows manufacturers and consumers ample time to adapt to the new requirements.
Potential Implications
The introduction of mandatory intelligent speed assistance systems could have wide-reaching implications. On the one hand, it represents a significant step toward improving road safety by reducing the prevalence of speeding. On the other hand, it raises questions about the cost implications for both manufacturers and consumers. The implementation of these systems could potentially increase the price of new vehicles due to the additional technology required.
Related Legislative Developments
In related news, California is considering a shift from its traditional gas tax to a per-mile tax, which would be imposed on all vehicles, including electric vehicles (EVs). The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is currently running a pilot program to test the viability of this system. This proposed change aims to address the decreasing revenue from gas taxes as more drivers switch to fuel-efficient and electric vehicles. The per-mile tax would ensure that all road users contribute to the maintenance of transportation infrastructure, regardless of their vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
Public and Industry Reactions
The introduction of Bill 961 has sparked a range of reactions from various stakeholders. Safety advocates have largely welcomed the bill, seeing it as a necessary measure to combat the rise in traffic fatalities. Organizations like the NTSB and AAA have expressed support for intelligent speed assistance systems, citing their potential to save lives.
However, there are also concerns about the practical implications of the bill. Some drivers worry about the accuracy of the speed limit detection systems and the potential for false alerts. Additionally, there are questions about how the new system will interact with existing in-car technologies and whether it will add to the complexity of vehicle maintenance and repairs.
Manufacturers, too, are watching the bill closely. While many already incorporate advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in their vehicles, the mandatory nature of the new requirement could necessitate design and engineering changes, particularly for vehicles intended for the California market. This could also lead to increased costs, which might be passed on to consumers.
Conclusion
California’s SB 961 represents a significant legislative step towards enhancing road safety by addressing the issue of speeding through intelligent speed assistance systems. By mandating these systems in all new vehicles, the state aims to reduce traffic fatalities and make roads safer for all users. While the bill still faces hurdles before becoming law, its passage in the Senate marks a critical milestone. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it will be important to consider the various implications for drivers, manufacturers, and the broader transportation system. If successful, this legislation could serve as a model for other states and potentially influence future federal regulations on vehicle safety.