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4/1/2026
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Sen. LaMountain, Rep. Casimiro and road safety advocates host “Intelligent Speed Assist” demonstration event
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 Lawmakers and media were invited to experience technology central to the “Stop Super Speeders Accountability Act”
STATE HOUSE – Yesterday, Sen. Matthew L. LaMountain, Rep. Julie A. Casimiro and the Providence Streets Coalition and Families for Safe Streets –– advocates for safe streets and organizations representing families of victims of traffic violence –– hosted an event to showcase the technology that is central to the Stop Super Speeders Accountability Act. Sponsored by Senator LaMountain (2026-S 2942) and Representative Casimiro (2026-H 8098), this legislation would hold the worst offenders of speeding and reckless driving accountable with Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA), a device that limits vehicle speed to the posted speed limits.
The Stop Super Speeders Accountability Act offers a practical, data-driven solution to reckless driving and endangerment by targeting the small number of repeat offenders who pose the greatest risk.
Speeding contributes to one-third of deadly crashes across the U.S., and a small number of “super speeders” are disproportionately responsible. In 2019, 63% of all deaths in crashes were speed-related, placing Rhode Island as the state with the highest percentage of speed-related fatalities in the nation.
“Excessive speeding is one of the most preventable causes of serious injury and death on our roads. This legislation puts in place real restrictions, not just fines that fail to change
behavior, ensuring repeat offenders are held accountable and dangerous driving is stopped
before it leads to tragedy,” said Senator LaMountain (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston)
“All too often, we are seeing tragedy after tragedy on our roadways resulting from individuals who have no regard for other people’s safety. Excessive speeding, reckless and dangerous driving, and a refusal to follow the rules of the road are costing Rhode Islanders their lives. This bill will give the courts a valuable tool to help protect the public from habitual offenders and it will save numerous lives in the process,” said Representative Casimiro (D-Dist. 31, North Kingstown, Exeter).
Every week one to two people are killed in crashes in Rhode Island and five suffer serious injuries. On average over the last decade, over 40% of traffic deaths were speed related. Studies in the U.S. show a small group of “super speeders” are up to five times more likely to be involved in a serious or fatal crash.
Sidney Wordell, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association said, “Excessive speeding isn’t just a traffic violation—it’s a serious threat to public safety. The faster a vehicle is traveling, the greater the risk of catastrophic injury or loss of life. ‘Super speeder’ legislation sends a clear message that this kind of dangerous behavior will not be tolerated. It gives law enforcement another important tool to deter the most reckless drivers and protect everyone on our roads.”
“Far too many families like mine know the lifelong devastation caused by reckless speeding, and it is entirely preventable,” said Amy Cohen, Founder & President of Families for Safe Streets. "ISA is a proven tool that targets the most dangerous drivers and ensures they cannot exceed safe speeds. With bills advancing in 16 states, Families for Safe Streets is leading the way on this life-saving measure because we know it will save lives and spare other families from the kind of loss all of our members have endured. No parent should have to bury their 12-year-old child as I have.”
The Super Speeders Accountability Act would allow Rhode Island judges to order installation of an ISA device in vehicles of eligible offenders –– someone whose license has been suspended due to a district court conviction or administrative finding by the traffic tribunal of excessive speeding, racing, or reckless driving where speed was a factor, or a person who has been convicted of multiple serious moving offenses. Installing the device will allow these drivers to meet their daily needs without their licenses being suspended or accumulating additional convictions or fines. Drivers will be responsible for the cost of the device.
“I’m so grateful to Representative Casimiro and Senator LaMountain for introducing a Super Speeders Accountability Act — legislation that addresses a crisis I know all too personally,” said Lisa Pope, a member of Families for Safe Streets and Rhode Island resident. “On February 14, 2023, my boyfriend, Zacory Richardson, was struck and killed while crossing North Main Street in Providence. The driver fled the scene, leaving a life tragically cut short. Losing Zacory has been a pain no one should ever endure. He was part of our community, deeply loved, and his loss highlights the devastating consequences of reckless driving. Streets like North Main, where high speeds are common, put pedestrians at extreme risk — a risk that can be mitigated with this bill.”
“I thank Representative Casimiro and Senator LaMountain for advancing efforts to address dangerous speeding, an issue that has become heartbreakingly personal for my family,” said Nicole O’Loughlin, Political Director for the Providence Streets Coalition and aunt of Hudson O’Loughlin. “Earlier this year, my six-year-old nephew, Hudson, was struck and killed while riding his bicycle in San Diego. Losing Hudson has been a pain no family should endure. He was joyful, curious, and deeply loved, and his loss highlights the deadly consequences of unsafe streets. I work every day to improve infrastructure and put in place solutions to save lives, and I carry Hudson’s memory into this work. I am now one of the many families who have experienced preventable loss, urging leaders to act boldly so no other family faces the heartbreak we now live with.”
Photo - Sen. Matthew L. LaMountain, left, and Rep. Julie A. Casimiro, right, at an event held at the State House to demonstrate Intelligent Speed Assist technology.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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