A LifeSafer intelligence speed assistance device installed in a vehicle. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Ben Szalinski)
By Ben Szalinski | Capitol News Illinois
SPRINGFIELD — Illinois drivers who have their license suspended for speeding or reckless driving violations could have an alternative under legislation being considered in the Statehouse.
Rep. Marti Deuter, D-Elmhurst, is pushing a bill that would allow drivers to have a speed control device installed in their car rather than having their license suspended.
“Speeding is a chronic problem on our streets and is a threat to public safety,” Deuter told a House committee last month. “Speeding is a factor in nearly half of all deadly crashes. Risk of fatality increases as speed increases.”
Under House Bill 4948, drivers who have their license suspended following two infractions within 12 months for either reckless driving or speeding 26 mph or more over the speed limit would qualify to apply for a permit with the secretary of state’s office to join the program. If approved, they’d have to pay a $30 monthly fee to have the device installed in their car. Drivers would be required to use the device for one year after their first suspension, two years after their second suspension and three years after three or more suspensions.
Participants would still be subject to some prohibitions, however, such as driving a commercial vehicle or school bus.
“We know that the primary penalty for extreme or repeat speeders, which is license suspension or revocation, doesn’t work,” Deuter said. “Data indicates that about 75% of the people whose licenses are suspended continue to drive.”
The bill was approved unanimously by the committee but is still being negotiated before getting a full vote in the chamber.
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