NSC Statement on California Governor's Veto of Legislation Aimed at Enhancing Vehicle Safety

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Safety Council is disappointed in the California Governor's veto of S.B. 961, a crucial bill aimed at enhancing vehicle safety in California. This legislation aimed to require new vehicles be equipped with intelligent speed assistance systems — technology designed to alert drivers when they exceed safe speed limits. Such systems are proven to significantly reduce speeding incidents, thereby lessening the severity of crashes.

Despite compelling evidence linking speed to crash severity, vehicles can still easily exceed even the highest posted speed limits. This gap represents a significant safety hazard on our roads, endangering not just drivers but all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. By vetoing this important measure, California misses an opportunity to lead the nation in vehicle safety innovation.

NSC has long advocated for policies that prioritize public safety and reduce preventable injuries and fatalities. Our commitment to advancing common-sense safety solutions includes promoting legislation that harnesses technology to protect lives. We believe the integration of speed assistance systems is not just beneficial, but essential in our ongoing efforts to create safer roadways.

NSC will continue to push for effective measures that safeguard everyone on the road. We remain dedicated to using every tool at our disposal to prevent crashes and save lives.

About the National Safety Council
The National Safety Council is America’s leading nonprofit safety advocate – and has been for 110 years. As a mission-based organization, we work to eliminate the leading causes of preventable death and injury, focusing our efforts on the workplace and roadways. We create a culture of safety to not only keep people safer at work, but also beyond the workplace so they can live their fullest lives.