There was a time when California was the ultimate playground for car enthusiasts. The canyons & picturesque coastal routes made it a haven for anyone who loved the open road. From the legendary routes along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), to the adrenaline-pumping escapades on Mulholland Drive, California was more than just a place – it was a lifestyle. It was a dream. But oh, how times have changed.
The Nanny State’s Latest Nag…
Today, the same state that created car culture is now pushing legislation that stifles the very spirit of it. Enter SB 961, a bill championed by Senator Scott Wiener, who’s last name describes him. If you haven’t heard of it yet, let me introduce you to the “Intelligent Speed Assist” (ISA) system, we wrote an article on it. Sounds helpful, right? Don’t be fooled, let’s dive into why this might be the most annoying piece of tech to ever hit our dashboards.
The bill mandates that all new cars…
Sold and/or manufactured in California from 2029-forward must be equipped with passive ISA systems. These systems use GPS and speed limit databases to issue audio & visual warnings whenever you exceed the speed limit by more than 10 mph. The idea is to curb speeding & reduce traffic fatalities (which have alarmingly risen by 22% in California between 2019 and 2022).
Speed assistance technology focus of California bill | Land Line
California Bill Wants New Cars To Beep At You for Speeding | Carscoops
As someone who travels extensively across the USA, and works in vehicle safety & telematics…
I can tell you from experience that the rise in traffic incidents is largely due to a lack of discipline. Drivers are increasingly distracted by their phones and screens, often watching movies or TV shows while behind the wheel. Moreover, obtaining a driver’s license has become alarmingly easy – some areas in California don’t even require a road test, only a written exam. This lack of rigorous testing contributes to unprepared drivers on our roads. To say it again, the root of the issue is obviously & clearly 1) DISTRACTION, and 2) INSUFFICIENT SKILL-LEVEL. Speed is a ‘potential’ contributing factor, but not THE contributing factor. And slowing the whole world down because some people cant drive doesn’t make sense. That’s called: Catering to the lowest common denominator. And historically it’s helped us… never.
Imagine this: You’re cruising along the highway…
The sun is setting, and the road ahead is open & inviting. Suddenly, your car starts annoyingly beeping at you because you dared to push past the speed limit. It’s like having a nagging backseat driver who never shuts up – and literally paying for it. For enthusiasts who live for the thrill of driving, this isn’t just a nuisance – it’s an absolute deal-breaker.
And it’s not just the gearheads who’ll suffer…
Picture a family road trip where every slight push of the pedal is met with an irritating beep. Long drives up the I-5 will turn into a cacophony of alerts, making the journey intolerable. Unless of course, you submit. It’s the state’s way of controlling compliance & conformity. Under the guise of ‘protecting your safety’.
It might make dollars, but it don’t make sense…
From a financial standpoint, the ISA system adds yet another layer of cost & complication to new vehicles. Car manufacturers, faced with the significant expense of implementing this technology, will undoubtedly pass the costs onto consumers. Haven’t new vehicles gotten expensive enough already? When will the pressure ease? In a time when car prices are already sky-high, this feels like pouring salt into an already gaping wound.
What’s more disheartening is the broader impact on car culture…
The freedom to drive freely is engrained into American culture. It’s who we are. It curates a sense of wonder, expression, and inspiration. The automotive industry, already grappling with the chokehold of efficiency & emissions regulations, now faces another blow: An attack on the romance of driving, the allure of the open road. This isn’t just an attack on enthusiasts; it’s an assault on freedom. And on anyone who finds solace and/or excitement behind the wheel.
California’s push for ISA is typical for modern-California…
It’s not California dreamin’… but rather… another California bad dream. Well-intentioned, but grossly misguided & out-of-touch. Safety is paramount, but not at the expense of freedom & experience. There’s a balance to be struck… and this ain’t it. The state’s legacy of car culture deserves better. Better than incessant beeping & technological babysitters. And better than overregulation & overreach. Didn’t this state used to be all about freedom & possibility?
California’s proposal for mandatory Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) systems is a step too far...
And a step too overbearing. It’s a cold reminder that sometimes, the road to safety can be paved with good intentions, but marred by poor execution & poor executives. Let’s hope the lawmakers see the light before every California drive turns into a nagging nightmare. And/or the nightmare of an even larger migration to Southern states lol. California – you are the dream. So be that inspiration.. and not an irritation. For now, let’s cherish the memories of California’s golden driving days… and hope for a future where freedom & safety can coexist.
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