A device that goes into cars can help limit speeds for reckless drivers. It is an issue relevant to Montgomery County in recent years — to Dan Langenkamp, whose wife was killed by a truck driver while bicycling in 2022, and to County Police Lt. Patrick Kepp, who had both legs amputated after a driver struck him at more than 100 mph in 2023.
Maryland legislators want to start a pilot program to offer the device as an alternative to drivers who would otherwise have their licenses suspended due to violations.
A bill to initiate the pilot was first introduced last year in the General Assembly. Lawmakers and advocates hope it will pass this year. Ahead of a hearing on the bill in Annapolis, MCM tested out an Intelligent Speed Assistance device from the company LifeSafer.
The system is GPS-guided and stops drivers from going over the speed limit. It knows exactly when a driver crosses from a 35-mph area to a 40-mph area “down to the foot,” according to Baltimore County Del. Nick Allen.
Once a driver hits the maximum speed allowed, they can floor the gas pedal, but they will not go faster. The device from LifeSafer does have an override button to temporarily allow higher speed in an emergency situation.
The device — which would be optional as an alternative to losing their license — would be paid for by the person using it. In Maryland, around 700 drivers would be eligible for the pilot.
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