Tougher speeding law is in development
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LANSING - Legislation is being developed that would implement advanced technology in the cars of extreme and repeat speeders in Michigan.
The bill would propose requiring drivers who rack up speeding tickets and violations from camera data to install Intelligent Speed Assistance technology, in addition to facing fines or suspended driver's licenses.
The Families for Safe Streets organization, a nonprofit advocacy group, defines Intelligent Speed Assistance as "a proven vehicle safety technology that utilizes location-based data and speed limit information to prevent excessive speeding."
The technology would automatically control the maximum speed of a vehicle.
Bills similar in New York allow convicted drivers to drive no more than 5 miles over the speed limit and will notify police for every 10 mph a driver is going over. Refusal to comply could be punished with fines and jail time.
The first bill of its kind gained early traction in New York City, where speed cameras had already been implemented and generated a large pool of repeat violators.
The increased call to action for the proposal in Michigan was inspired by the death of Flynn Mackrell of Grosse Pointe in 2023 in a crash caused by a speeding teen driver.
Ann Vanker, his mother, described the crash.
"Flynn was home for Thanksgiving break and was on the way to surprise a friend. He was the passenger of Kiernan Taugue when Taugue recklessly pressed his foot all the way to the floor and went 105 mph in a 25 mph zone," said Vanker.
Taugue lost control of the car and then struck a utility pole and tree.
"The type of car he was driving, a BMW, allowed him to go from 0-60 in under a second. These cars are racing machines. The problem is with the parents as much as it is with the teenagers," Vanker said.
The bill will be sponsored by Sen. Kevin Hertel, D-Saint Clair Shores, and is similar to some that have already passed in other states, including Illinois, Virginia and New York, said Vanker.
While gaining traction, the legislation is unlikely to be introduced this year, said Vanker.
Amy Cohen, the founder and president of Families for Safe Streets in New York, said similar legislation is being introduced in states like California, North Carolina and Minnesota.
"We are currently working with legislators from North Carolina and Minnesota to get this Intelligent Speed Assistance technology implemented for repeat offenders," said Cohen.
"Usually it takes about three to four legislative sessions to get a law passed, and we have been able to pass the Stop Super Speeder bill in one session in every state so far," said Cohen.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says motor vehicles are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens ages 13 to 19.
"Drivers aged 16 to 19 have a fatal crash rate nearly three times higher per mile driven than drivers aged 20 and older," according to the federal agency.
The Flynn Mackrell Foundation, named for Vanker's son, will host a World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims event on Nov. 15 on the state Capitol lawn.
She said the event will focus on honoring every person killed or seriously injured on roadways and advocating for safer street design, appropriate speed limits and a strong Super Speeder Law.
The World Day of Remembrance will host Hertel, Col. James Grady, the director of State Police and Andy Rohrer, the executive director of the League of Michigan Bicyclists.