GPS technology may be the future of solving speeding-related accidents. Across states, speeding is a significant concern for traffic police and law enforcement. Globally, speeding accounts for approximately one-third of all road-accident-related injuries and fatalities. A variety of initiatives have been put in place by states to deter drivers from speeding, such a increasing fines, reducing speed limits on interstates, and even increasing the speed limits in some states. However, this device may be the solution.
Speeding is a significant concern on the road
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding accounted for 29% of all traffic fatalities in the US. While incidents have seen a somewhat decreasing trend with increased preventative measures put in place, the number of fatalities due to speeding has remained consistent since the year 2000. Younger drivers between the ages of 15-24 are more likely to speed, according to NHTSA data.
Distracted driving is also a significant concern of the NHTS, alongside speeding. In an age of smartphones, texting while driving has become a massive problem for law enforcement. When sending or reading a text, this can lead you to take your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. This length of time is equivalent to as if you drove the entire length of a football field at 55mph with your eyes closed.
New GPS technology to stop speeding
Many states have taken strong initiatives to crack down on speeding. New York City, in particular, has come down hard on speeding. The city has not only decided to lower the overall speed limit from 25mph to 20mph by the end of 2025, but it also boasts one of the largest automated camera systems in the nation. These automated cameras assist law enforcement with identifying and ticketing speeding vehicles.
Alongside NYC, Washington State has decided to also take steps towards stricter measures to combat speeding. In May earlier this year, Gov. Bob Ferguson of Washington signed into law House Bill 1596, also known as the BEAM Act, where drivers will be required to have a speed-limiting device installed in their vehicles if they have previously had their license suspended for reckless driving or speeding and would like it to be reinstated.
According to the BEAM Act in Washington State House Democrats’ official website, the new law would also allow judges to require the devices to be installed as a condition of pre-trial release or post-conviction probation. The devices work by using GPS technology to track the speed of the driver. The new law is expected to go into effect in January of 2029.
“What’s behind this bill is a really simple goal, which is to save lives,” Ferguson said.
Washington joins Virginia in speed-limiting devices
Washington joins Virginia in the implementation of these speed-limiting devices. First announced earlier this year, Virginia will start implementing the devices from July 1, 2026. The speed-limiting devices are one solution to ensure that drivers are not only physically unable to speed, especially if they are repeat offenders, but also provide a solution to the criticism that speeding fines alone disproportionally target low-income drivers. Drivers who have higher incomes sometimes will ignore speed limits more than those with lower incomes if the associated fine for speeding is not as much of a deterrent to them.
Additionally, the new piece of legislation classifies tampering or attempting to remove the device as a misdemeanor, similar to Virginia’s law, which classifies tampering with the device as a Class 1 misdemeanor with an additional penalty of up to 12 months in jail as well as other associated fines for trying to remove the device. Drivers who are subject to this penalty in Washington may choose not to have the device installed if they agree to have their license suspended instead
