IL Senate committee approves plan requiring speed control devices for reckless drivers

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois is one step closer to helping address high-risk speeders across the state.

Advocates hope to create an intelligent speed assistance program within the Illinois Secretary of State's office as an alternative to license suspension for dangerous drivers.

The bill would require drivers who commit two offenses within a year to install the speed limiting device in their vehicle. This comes as sponsors said 75% of people with suspended licenses continue to drive.

"So if you are on the highway and it's 70 miles per hour, it knows the speed is 70 and the car calibrates to that," said Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield).

The Secretary of State would notify drivers their license will be suspended until they complete the program. Participants would also pay $30 per month into the Intelligent Speed Assistance Program Permit Fee Fund.

House Bill 4948 passed unanimously out of the Senate Transportation Committee Tuesday and now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration.

"Our current methods are not working," said Rudy Faust with Families for Safe Streets. "The intelligent speed assistance program is a practical and equitable step towards saving lives of both drivers and vulnerable road users without limiting mobility."

This plan previously passed out of the House on a 77-24 vote with on representative voting present.