Governor Perdue to introduce Super Speeder legislation; will increase fines on behaviors that cause accidents

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue announced Feb. 6 that legislation will be introduced on Thursday to help reduce traumatic automobile accidents and provide additional funds for trauma care in the state. State Senator Ronnie Chance, one of the Governor’s floor leaders in the Senate, will introduce “Super Speeder” legislation when the General Assembly reconvenes on Thursday.

“Traffic accidents exact an enormous cost on the people of Georgia,” said Governor Perdue. “We must do more to prevent crashes and save lives by addressing behaviors such as speeding that lead to many serious accidents.”

The Governor made the announcement today at the State Capitol at an event to promote motorcycle safety with the cast of the upcoming movie “Wild Hogs,” which will be released on March 2. Cast members attending today’s motorcycle safety rally included Tim Allen, John Travolta, Martin Lawrence and William H. Macy. Motorcycle riders from around the state joined the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and other state officials welcoming the stars to Georgia.

Preliminary estimates show the Super Speeder legislation could generate as much as $25 million to $30 million per year. The additional fees, after administrative costs, will go to the state’s general treasury with the intent that the money will be used to fund a trauma care system.

“There is a clear link between the people who cause deadly accidents on our roadways and the rising strain on our hospitals’ emergency services,” Governor Perdue added. “We’re going to hold accountable people who repeatedly engage in dangerous activities, and I hope that these increased fines will give them incentive to stop their behavior and make our roads safer.”

The Super Speeder legislation will increase fines to decrease trauma-causing behavior. Driving over 85 mph or more anywhere in Georgia and 75 mph or more on a two lane road will be classified as a “super speeding” offense, adding an additional fine of $200, which will be administered by the Georgia Department of Driver Services.

The legislation will also address habitual violators who lose their license because of dangerous driving behaviors. There will be an additional $300 fine for license reinstatement for DUI, vehicular homicide, serious injury by vehicle, or feticide by vehicle. There will also be an additional $200 fine for license reinstatement for racing, fleeing and attempting to elude, and leaving the scene of an accident (all currently receive an automatic suspension) and an additional $100 fine for license reinstatement for other moving violations (in addition to the $210 current fine).

Fines will also be assessed based on the number of points accrued against a driver’s license: $100 fine at 7-9 points; $125 fine at 10-12 points and $200 fine at 13-14 points (the license is suspended at 15 points).

Traffic accidents caused more than 1,700 fatalities in Georgia last year and cost the state $7.85 billion. Average speeds on Metro Atlanta interstates are among the highest in the country at 75 mph – 20 mph over the speed limit.

“Governor Perdue’s Super Speeder legislation is an important step toward making our roads safer,” said State Senator Ronnie Chance. “The legislation shows that Georgia is serious about decreasing the number of traumatic accidents on our roads.”
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