The next step in road safety: ISA programs for super speeders

Speeding is a major contributor to traffic collisions, injuries, and fatalities. For more than two decades, speeding has contributed to greater than one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities in the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  

As authorities and advocates search for effective solutions to manage speed and reduce risk on the road, advanced vehicle safety technologies such as Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) have emerged as critical and timely solutions. When installed in a vehicle, LifeSafer ISA devices actively prevent the vehicle from exceeding the posted speed limit by using real-time information. 

Recent laws require ISA for repeat speeders and reckless drivers 

Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Washington state have each passed laws that establish ISA programs for high-risk drivers. These programs require drivers convicted of major speeding infractions to have their vehicles fitted with ISA devices that actively limit their maximum speed. Programs stipulate conditions such as: 

• The types of speeding offenses that dictate ISA intervention include excessive speeding, a history of speeding, and reckless driving 
• The required period an individual must use an ISA device often depends on the severity of the offense 
• The way the ISA device is configured 

In February 2024, the Washington D.C. Council unanimously passed an addition to their STEER Act for ‘Strengthening Traffic Enforcement, Education, and Responsibility’. This act is similar to existing laws in the U.S. that require DUI offenders to install ignition interlock technology to prevent further drunk or impaired driving. These laws have proven to be effective across the globe. 

First-of-its-kind ISA program now live

In October 2025, the DC Department of Motor Vehicles announced the launch of their ISA Program, a groundbreaking safety initiative aimed at reducing aggravated reckless driving and improving roadway safety across the District. In DC, aggravated reckless driving includes:  

• Driving 30+ mph over the posted speed limit  
• Driving 20+ mph over the limit and causing bodily harm  
• Driving 20+ mph over the limit and colliding with another vehicle  
• Driving 20+ mph over the limit and causing property damage of $1,000 or more  

Why mandate ISA for speed offenders?

Studies show that speeding is habitual, and a small number of drivers are responsible for most reckless driving incidents. By focusing on drivers who are known to repeatedly ignore speed limits, rather than those who obey the rules of the road, new laws can have the greatest, most targeted impact on traffic safety. 

ISA reduces the risk of high-speed collisions and has the potential to save thousands of lives each year if mandated for repeat speed offenders. 

ISA is not just a speed limiter; it is also a teaching tool designed to support drivers who need help improving their safe driving habits. These devices are not intended to be permanent. They can be disconnected and removed from the vehicle once they are no longer required by an ISA program.