Speed kills. This fact is undisputed among researchers, experts, and the laws of physics.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding was a factor in at least 29% of traffic fatalities in 2023. As drivers reach higher speeds, the danger increases dramatically.
At 20 mph, a pedestrian has an 8% chance of death in a collision with a motor vehicle. That number increases to 20% at 30 mph, 46% at 40 mph, and 75% at 50 mph.
One commonly proposed solution is to suspend the licenses of dangerous drivers. While well-intentioned, this strategy is deeply flawed. According to studies cited by the California DMV, 75% of drivers who receive a license suspension continue to drive illegally. Worse yet, we cannot depend on the DMV to keep dangerous drivers off our streets.
According to a recent report from Calmatters, the DMV often refuses to suspend or revoke licenses of drivers with histories of reckless, intoxicated, or deadly driving. 40% of drivers with vehicular manslaughter charges since 2019 still have a license. A new approach is needed.
Assembly Bill 981 offers a promising way forward. Introduced by Assemblymember Mike Gibson from Carson, who tragically lost his stepson in a hit-and-run crash in 1989, AB 981 proposes a smarter solution rooted in prevention, not just punishment. The bill would create a pilot program allowing the installation of Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) technology on any driver convicted of excessive speeding, reckless driving, or dangerously showing off in 5 counties, including San Diego County.
Rather than relying on ineffective license suspensions or costly fines, ISA would physically limit a vehicle’s ability to exceed safe speed limits. Similar laws have been passed or considered in Washington, Virginia, and Georgia. The European Union, building on its impressive road safety record, has largely embraced ISA technology to save lives.
AB 981 has garnered support from a host of street safety organizations at the state and national levels, such as Streets for All, Families for Safe Streets, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition, and others. As cyclists and transportation advocates, we recognize that most drivers prioritize safety for themselves and others.
However, a small but dangerous minority — those who recklessly prioritize speed or personal convenience — put countless lives at risk. This bill focuses precisely on those individuals, ensuring that the most dangerous drivers are prevented from operating vehicles in ways that endanger everyone else.
What you can do
AB 981 has already cleared its first hurdle by passing the Public Safety Committee in the state Assembly. Now is the time to build momentum. We need your voice.
Contact your representatives to express support for AB 981. You can find out who your representatives are here. Share this information with your friends, family, and community groups.Last year, Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 961, which would have required passive speed assist on all new vehicles. However, AB 981 is a more targeted, measured approach: it affects only those who have already demonstrated dangerous driving behavior.
We cannot allow California to lag behind while other parts of the country and world implement life-saving measures. Let’s take action now to create safer streets for everyone.
Ian D. Hembree is the advocacy and community manager for the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition.
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