Gov. Sonny Perdue wants to raise fines on speeders and others who engage in "trauma-causing behavior" on Georgia's roads.
Perdue said he will submit legislation on Feb. 8 with the goal of reducing traumatic automobile accidents and providing more money for trauma care in the state. State Sen. Ronnie Chance (R-Tyrone), one of the governor's floor leaders in the Georgia Senate, will introduce the "Super Speeder" legislation when the General Assembly reconvenes on Thursday.
The Super Speeder legislation would increase fines in an attempt to "decrease trauma-causing behavior," Perdue's office said. Driving more than 85 mph or more anywhere in Georgia and 75 mph or more on a two-lane road would 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 also calls for an additional $300 fine for license reinstatement for DUI, vehicular homicide, serious injury by vehicle or feticide by vehicle. There would 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 would 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. Georgia drivers are subject to having their licenses suspended at 15 points.
In 2006, traffic accidents caused more than 1,700 fatalities in Georgia and cost the state about $7.9 billion. Average speeds on metro Atlanta interstates are among the highest in the country at 75 mph, which is 20 mph over the speed limit.
Perdue said early estimates show the Super Speeder legislation could generate up to $25 million to $30 million annually. The additional fees, after administrative costs, would 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," Perdue said. "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."
