Advocates has written to a key committee in the Illinois House of Representatives in support of House Bill (HB) 4948 to establish an intelligent speed assistance (ISA) program. The legislation allows courts to require use of ISA by individuals convicted of reckless driving and requires ISA for reckless driving offenders who drove 100 miles per hour (mph) or more. Installation of an ISA device would prevent the offender’s vehicle from speeding and is an alternative to license suspension. It still allows driving for daily tasks such as taking children to school or going to work or medical appointments.
Speed is a major contributor to crashes in Illinois. In 2023, of the 1,241 traffic fatalities in the state, 35 percent were speeding related which exceeds the national average of 29 percent.1 Speeding related fatalities in Illinois increased 25 percent from 2014 to 2023.2 During the same period fatalities among vulnerable road users (VRUs) increased as well with a 62 percent rise in pedestrian fatalities and a 52 percent uptick in bicyclist and other cyclists fatalities.
We strongly urge the passage of HB 4948 and similar Senate ISA bills. Last year Washington and Virginia became the first states to enact ISA laws, following the District of Columbia doing so in 2024, and many states have considered ISA legislation this year. Illinois can become a leader in this emerging safety trend and save lives by enacting HB 4948.
Read the full letter here.