There’s no doubt that speeding is one of the most dangerous driving behaviors. Speeding while engaging in other reckless driving behaviors like racing is especially dangerous. Unfortunately, many drivers who have lost their licenses after multiple speeding citations continue to drive without a license – sometimes with deadly consequences.
A new Maryland law that takes effect Oct. 1 of this year is aimed at keeping “super speeders” under control while allowing them to maintain a restricted driver’s license. It’s similar to laws already in effect in more than a dozen other states.
A key component of the law is the Intelligent Speed Assistance System Pilot Program. It’s comparable in some ways to programs that allow those convicted of drunk driving to have ignition interlock devices (IIDs) installed so that they have to pass a breath test before the vehicle will start.
How do the ISA program and technology work?
Under this pilot program, drivers who would otherwise have their licenses suspended or revoked for multiple reckless speeding violations may qualify to have Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) technology installed in their vehicles. The pilot will be implemented over the next year and run through June 2031.
The ISA tool prevents the vehicle from exceeding the posted speed limit. The tool uses GPS technology as well as sensors to determine the speed limit on any road where the vehicle is traveling. After a year with ISA technology in their vehicle, drivers can have their full driving privileges restored.
The types of repeat violations that will require participation in the program include:
- Exceeding the posted speed limit
- Reckless driving at 30 mph or more over the posted speed limit
- Participating in a “race or speed contest on a highway”
While this law and the pilot program will likely prevent some serious crashes, it’s important to remember that drivers need to have exhibited dangerous behavior to qualify. In the meantime, they run the risk of inflicting serious injury and death on those who share the roads with them. Further, while the ISA technology limits speed, it can’t do anything to prevent other types of reckless or negligent behaviors.
Anyone who has suffered an injury or has lost a loved one because of another driver’s actions can and should seek the maximum compensation they’re due to cover medical bills and other expenses and damages. It’s wise to get legal guidance before agreeing to any settlement.