In April, the Washington State Senate overwhelmingly passed a new law that calls for the installation of anti-speeding technology, known as intelligent speed assistance (ISA), in the cars of drivers who have been convicted of reckless driving.
The new technology uses GPS and coordinated sensors to automatically prevent penalized drivers from exceeding posted speed limits by resisting accelerator input and limiting power to the engine itself.
Amy Cohen, the founder of Families for Safe Streets, lost her son Sammy Cohen Eckstein in 2014 when a speeding driver blew through a red light. She says that most drivers, like the one who struck her son, are repeat offenders.
“This measure in Washington is just the beginning of a nationwide movement that is long overdue,” Cohen said in a press statement when the anti-speeding law was passed.
“Currently, in many states, the only consequence to stop super speeders is to suspend a driver’s license, but 75% of people with a suspended license drive anyways.”
Lorraine Martin, president and CEO of the National Safety Council and chair of the Road to Zero Coalition, said that anti-speeding technology was the next practical step in automotive safety. She hopes the new law — which will take effect in January 2029 — inspires change on a national level.
“Speeding is a persistent problem on our roadways and contributes to a significant number of deaths,” Martin said. “Anti-speeding technology, much like past safety innovations such as seat belts, will help save lives.”
A version of this article originally appeared in the 2025 Education Edition of the Goodnewspaper.
Header image via Sela Doe
