Assemblywoman Soria Introduces the Stop Super Speeders Act, AB 2276

• Brody Fernandez
• (916) 276-3390
• [email protected]

SACRAMENTO, CA - Today, Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria (D-Merced) introduced the Stop Super Speeders Act, AB 2276. It would establish a statewide pilot program requiring reckless speeders to install active Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) devices in their vehicles before getting back on the road.

"California continues to experience a significant traffic safety crisis,"Assemblywoman Soria said. "Californians rely on our cars more than any other state and there needs to be a constant effort to keep our streets safe. 12 people are killed every day on California's roads, and one-third of those fatalities are speeding-related. Speeding not only increases the likelihood of a crash; it also dramatically increases the severity of injuries when collisions occur. AB 2276 will help to save lives and hold those who recklessly speed accountable."

National organizations, including the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA), have developed model legislation to address dangerous speeding through the use of technology-based interventions. Several states have begun implementing similar approaches to reduce recidivism among high-risk drivers. AB 2276 ensures California does not fall behind when it comes to road safety measures.

"My son, Paul Martinez, was a vibrant 21-year-old with his whole life ahead of him when he was struck and killed by a speeding driver while crossing the street,"said Joe Martinez, Member of Families for Safe Streets Fresno. "My pain became my purpose - otherwise my grief would have consumed me. AB 2276 sends a clear message: if you put lives at risk by speeding, you will need anti-speeding technology to manage your dangerous behavior. We are grateful to Assemblymember Soria for introducing this bill and helping California act to prevent reckless driving before another family's life is destroyed."

Active ISA devices are vehicle-based technologies that use location-based systems to identify local speed limits and actively limit a vehicle's speed to those limits.

"The Stop Speeding Act is about prevention. We have the data to identify dangerous drivers before they cause a devastating crash. In 2020, I was nearly killed in a crash while running by a speeding driver who ran a red light," said Julie Nicholson, Member of Families for Safe Streets San Francisco. "This legislation would take meaningful action to stop the most reckless behavior before another family's life is changed forever."

AB 2276 establishes a 5-year pilot program requiring the installation of an ISA device for drivers convicted of severe speeding-related offenses, including reckless driving and speeding over 100 miles per hour.

"When my 12-year-old son was killed by a speeding driver, our family's life changed forever. No parent should have to live with that kind of preventable loss," said Amy Cohen, Founder & President of Families for Safe Streets. "We know who the most dangerous drivers are and yet we allow them to stay on the road. Speeding isn't an accident - it's a choice, and when someone repeatedly chooses to drive at dangerous speeds, they need to be stopped before they kill someone. We are deeply grateful to Assemblymember Soria for introducing this lifesaving legislation."

Under the pilot program, courts must order the installation of an ISA device based on the severity and number of prior convictions, with installation terms increasing for repeat offenders. An income-based fee structure ensures costs are proportionate and accessible. By focusing on drivers convicted of serious speeding-related offenses and using technology to directly prevent dangerous behavior, this bill establishes a targeted, evidence-based approach to improving roadway safety in California.

Facebook: @Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria

Instagram: @asmesmeraldasoria

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Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria represents the 27th Assembly District, which includes communities in Fresno, Madera, and Merced counties.