Super Speeder Bill before the Georgia Legislature
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mattmontgomery at: 1/30/2009 |
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GEORGIA LEGISLATURE PROPOSES INCREASED FINES FOR “SUPER SPEEDERS” Increased speeding fines to encourage safe driving and support Georgia’s Trauma Network Governor Sonny Perdue announced this week that State Representative Jim Cole, the Governor’s senior floor leader in the House, has introduced the Governor’s “Super Speeder” legislation, HB 160, to the General Assembly. The legislation will help reduce traumatic automobile crashes and provide funds for trauma care in the state. Traffic crashes on Georgia’s roadways caused more than 1,600 fatalities last year and cost Georgians billions of dollars. These vehicle crashes are the number one source of traumatic injury in the state. In addition, approximately 20% of all of Georgia’s traffic fatalities are speeding related. The overall cost of crashes, injuries, and deaths related to crashes in Georgia is $7.8 billion a year. The principle behind the Super Speeder legislation is simple; discouraging trauma-causing behavior by increasing the fines for dangerous driving. Those drivers who insist on dangerous driving will help pay for the trauma network needed to keep alive Georgians affected by their poor decisions. Driving over 85 miles per hour or more anywhere in Georgia and driving 75 miles per hour on a two lane road will be classified as a “super speeding” offense, adding an additional fine of $200 to existing speeding fees. In addition, the legislation adds an additional $100 license reinstatement fee for 2nd time reckless drivers and a $200 reinstatement fee for 3 rd and subsequent reckless driving suspensions. Teen drivers will receive a $100 license reinstatement fee for 2 nd and subsequent offenses for DUI, Drug, and TADRA (Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act) violations. License reinstatement fees for failure to appear in court will be increased $100 per violation. And, license reinstatement for insurance conviction violations will increase $210 for the first offense and $310 for the second and subsequent offenses. With the proposed “Super Speeder” legislation, Georgia will crack down on dangerous driving. Drivers who travel at high speeds, drive drunk, or repeatedly violate the state’s traffic laws must be held accountable. TO VIEW OTHER GOHS NEWS ITEMS, CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE GOHS HOME PAGE, CLICK HERE | |
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