Governor Drives Forward With Super Speeder

Gov. Sonny Perdue announced that State Rep. 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 reportedly help reduce traumatic automobile accidents and provide funds for trauma care in the state.

“Traffic accidents exact an enormous toll on our state,” said Gov. Perdue. “This legislation will save lives by discouraging reckless behavior and by providing critical additional funds for trauma care.”

In 2007, traffic accidents on Georgia’s roadways caused more than 1,600 fatalities. The overall cost of accidents totals $7.8 billion a year. The Super Speeder legislation would generate approximately $23 million that could be spent to improve state’s trauma care network.

“This is extremely important legislation not only to me but to the state of Georgia as a whole,” said Representative Cole. “We must do all we can to help make our roads and highways as safe as possible. The bottom line is this: Super Speeder will both directly and indirectly save the lives of Georgians.”

The principle behind the Super Speeder legislation is that it discourages trauma-causing behavior by increasing fines for dangerous drivers.

The legislation would add an additional $200 fine for driving over 85 mph anywhere in the state and for driving 75 mph or more on a two lane road. Super Speeders will also increase driver’s license reinstatement fees for drivers committing a second and third offense for violations that result in a suspended license and for other negligent behaviors.