As states consider new legislation, guide shares steps to advance high-tech solution to America’s deadly speeding epidemic (GHSA)

Speeding remains one of the most persistent and deadly threats on U.S. roadways, accounting for more than 11,000 deaths in 2024 alone, and 125,000 fatalities over the last decade. To combat this preventable safety danger ahead of the busy summer travel season, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), with support from the National Road Safety Foundation (NRSF) and the SteerSafe Partnership, has produced a comprehensive new guidebook, Intelligent Speed Assistance: A New Tool for Safer Roads.

The guidebook comes as numerous states have either enacted laws implementing Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) or are considering doing so. The District of Columbia passed the country’s first law requiring use of an ISA device for high-risk drivers, and additional states including Virginia, Washington and Maryland have followed with similar legislation. More states are considering ISA bills in 2026, including California, Georgia, New York, Arizona and Minnesota.

The guidebook details steps and actions for State Highway Safety Offices (SHSOs) to help support and advance the adoption of active ISA. This in-vehicle technology identifies the posted speed limit and ensures the driver does not exceed it. Speeding has historically been difficult to manage through roadway design alone, but ISA provides a proactive, technology-driven intervention that can reduce crash risk and injury severity.

While active ISA could benefit all drivers, the guidebook highlights three groups — repeat speeding offenders, fleet drivers and newly licensed teens — who would benefit the most. It outlines how state safety officials can support ISA deployment and lead the transition to a safer, speed conscious culture. Key recommendations include:

• Creating Tech-Focused Safety Plans: State officials should consider adding active ISA programs to their highway safety plans, prioritizing data-driven prevention.
• Launching Local Pilot Programs: By testing ISA in government and contractor vehicle fleets, states can gather local data to show the public how effectively this technology prevents crashes.
• Modernizing Driver Education: Introducing ISA technology to parents and teens during the learning process provides families another tool to help new drivers build safe habits.
• Advancing Smarter Enforcement: Training programs enable judges and law enforcement to apply ISA as an intervention for habitual speeding offenders, preserving road safety without relying solely on license suspension.

Access the full article on the GHSA website.