House Bill 1596 Seeks to Curb Speeding & Reckless Driving

Bellingham Defense Attorney, Legislation, Mount Vernon Criminal Defense Attorney, Reckless Driving, Skagit County Criminal Defense, Whatcom County Criminal Defense, , , , ,

12V/24V vehicle speed limit device, The mechanical pedal speed limiter for cars

New proposed legislation could prevent reckless drivers from exceeding speed limits. Introduced by Representative Mari Leavitt (D), the  Andrea Smith Hudson Act (House Bill 1596) is currently under consideration in the Washington state legislature. If passed, this legislation would require habitual speeders and reckless drivers with suspended licenses to have a speed limiter installed on their car’s ignition. Acting much like a breathalyzer, this device uses GPS to keep the vehicle within the speed limit.

The Andrea Smith Hudson Act is named in honor of Andrea Hudson, who was driving a minivan with five children when an Audi traveling at 112 mph struck her vehicle at an intersection in Renton. Hudson and three of the children in her car, including 12-year-old Buster Brown, 12-year-old Matilda Wilcoxson and 13-year-old Eloise Wilcoxson, were killed instantly.

“My bill attempts to address these factors by focusing on those who have repeatedly shown these behaviors. I propose implementing Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) technology for habitual speed violators as a tool for our Courts to impose on these habitual speeders. This technology, which has been successful in other regions as well as countries, ensures that vehicles adhere to posted speed limits, significantly reducing the likelihood of speed-related crashes. In addition to ISA devices, the bill requires speed limiters for repeat offenders as a condition of being able to drive.” ~Representative Mari Leavitt.

Key measures of the legislation include:

  • Targeting the most dangerous violations (20+ mph over the limit) rather than penalizing minor infractions.
  • Providing opportunities for folks with suspensions to drive with this tool similar to the ignition interlock program as imposed by a court.
  • Implementing a structured fee system for ISA device installation that considers financial capabilities, ensuring all drivers can comply.

Please contact my office if you, a friend or family member are charged with Reckless Driving or any other crime. Hiring an effective and competent defense attorney is the first and best step toward justice.