Perdue signs 'super speeder' bill
"H.B. 160 accomplishes two things," said Perdue spokesman Chris Schrimpf. "First, it sends the message that speeding is dangerous, and will not be tolerated in Georgia. Second, it makes sure that those who are causing traumatic accidents are helping to pay for our trauma network."
Schrimpf said 1,648 deaths in 2007 were attributed to auto crashes, and 20 percent of those fatalities were speeding related. More than 65 percent of drivers involved in fatal accidents in Georgia have poor driving histories with prior violations, continued Schrimpf.
The legislation adds an additional $200 fine for driving over 85 mph in Georgia, and for driving 75 mph or faster on a two-lane road.
"This is a simple, straightforward attempt to slow high-speed drivers, and reduce high-speed crashes and trauma injuries," Perdue said in a statement. "I believe we can not only help fund trauma care through increased fines, but we can also reduce the heavy burden on our state's emergency rooms."
Children's Healthcare trauma centers have treated a number of children who were involved in speed-related accidents, said Linda Cole, vice-president of Trauma and Emergency Services for Children's Healthcare.
In 2008, said Cole, 67 auto-accident-related trauma patients were treated at Scottish Rite, and 92 were treated at the hospital's Egleston campus.
Of those, she said, eight were fatalities.
Cole said she hopes the signing of H.B. 160, which takes effect in July, will cut down on those numbers. "That is certainly the intent," she said.
Shocking... Representative Steve Davis, my state Rep. opposed the bill!
Right now we've had major budget problems. Remeber, this means we aren't bringing in enough revenue for the state to function properly. About about protecting our kids? What about protecting our trauma network?
Remember what GBPI has pointed out:
If Governor Perdue signs all of the tax bills passed by the Georgia House of Representatives and Senate, state revenues will decline by an additional $116 million in FY 2010 and more than $1 billion in FY 2012.
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