New York has approved installing speed limiters in cars of lead-footed drivers. Pilot program kicks off in New York City, but could expand to other locations. State is also embracing automated enforcement and trying to lower insurance rates. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation that will crack down on speeders in New York City. It’s part of a larger effort designed to keep residents safe. The big news is authorization for New York City to establish a pilot program that targets so-called “super speeders.” Drivers with a need for speed will be forced to have “Intelligent Speed Assistance devices” installed in their vehicles. More: New York Is Coming After Serial Speeders With A Trick Device The governor’s office didn’t say much about the program, but revealed it will target “drivers with a documented pattern of flouting speeding laws and putting New Yorkers at risk.” The state added the devices will prevent drivers from going over the speed limit, “helping to avert tragedies before they happen and making city streets safer for everyone.” ABC 7 New York reports drivers would need to rack up at least 16 speeding tickets in a single year before being forced to have the device installed. If they fail to comply, they’ll reportedly be hit with a $1,500 to $2,500 fine. If that doesn’t motivate them, their registration could be suspended. NY Governor’s Office The program has sparked a lot of interest and the governor’s office said they will explore allowing other cities to opt in. Judging by the wording in the state’s budget, this could be limited to cities with a population in excess of one million people. On the topic of speeding, the legislation allows for the expanded use of “automated work zone speed enforcement systems.” As a result, drivers can now expect to find speed cameras in far more work zones around the state. Furthermore, authorities will target drivers who don’t stop for school buses. In order to do this, the governor has authorized the establishment of “stop-arm camera programs that will help ensure the timely processing of tickets for motorists who illegally pass stopped school buses.” Trying To Lower Insurance Costs Hochul’s office also announced measures to bring down auto insurance rates and tackle fraudulent claims. Insurance is a big problem in the state as the governor’s office says New Yorkers pay an average of more than $4,000 per year in car insurance. That’s nearly $1,500 above the national average and they blamed this on a “combination of fraud, litigation, legal loopholes, and enforcement gaps.” As part of the effort to lower costs, the state will cap damages for drivers engaging in criminal behavior at the time of the incident. This promises to ensure “drivers flouting the law – including uninsured motorists, drunk drivers, and drivers in the act of committing a felony – don’t walk away with a jackpot payday at the expense of everyone else.” On top of that, the state will narrow the definition of “serious injury,” limit damages for individuals who were mostly at fault for causing an accident, and increase oversight of insurance companies and their rates.
