National Transportation Safety Board Recommend Speed Limiters for U.S. Automobiles

While advocates say technology can be a critical tool in reducing the carnage on U.S. roads, CNN can't get over the idea as an invasion of privacy and personal liberty.

2 minute read

October 14, 2022, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


CNN recently reported on air, in a clip shown above but also picked up widely by local news around the country, that the National Transportation Safety Board recently announced a recommendation to require automakers to limit the speed of cars. 

"The NTSB is calling on the federal government to start incentivizing carmakers to put smart speed limiter systems in new cars," according to an article by Pete Muntean sharing the report. Speed limiters work by cross referencing local speed limits and a car’s GPS position, explains Muntean. Speed limiting technology is recognized for its potential to benefit traffic safety if applied to cars. So far, the technology has only been applied at scale to electric scooter rental companies, however.

Erin Marquis, writing for Jalopnik, responded to the CNN report with a highly critical response to the television's framing of the news, describing the video shown above as " surprisingly and completely dishonestly reported." 

Listen, I get it: Who doesn’t like a snappy headline that clicks well? A premise that will get folks active in the comments and lead them to hitting those all-important like and subscribe buttons. But what NTSB actually did was recommend a timetable to put together incentives for automakers that put speed limiters in new cars. Not sure how you get from that to “Our cars are in danger of being monitored and controlled by the government!” Even CNN admits, this “limitation” could come in the form of an audible or visual warning—a feature already familiar to anyone with a newer vehicle.

Marquis notes that NTSB's suggestion isn't even the most aggressive of the options. Intelligent Speed Assistance, like already required on new cars in Europe, is the other option. "Several American automakers, like Ford and Jeep, got a head-start and have been installing the tech in European models for years. A new pilot program in New York City put ISAs in 50 government fleet vehicles — the first city in the nation to do so," explains Marquis.

Thursday, October 13, 2022 in Jalopnik

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Two yellow and white Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail streetcars at station in Dallas, Texas.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region

At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

April 3, 2025 - KERA News

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Aerial view of Spanish revival style buildings with red tile roofs in downtown Santa Barbara, California.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land

County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

April 9 - The Santa Barbara Independent

Green and white interstate freeway signs pointing to Hayward and San Mateo and Half Moon Bay exits in Northern California.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project

The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

April 9 - Streetsblog San Francisco

Kingsbridge Armory, large hangar-like brick building in the Bronx, New York City with brick lower floors and glass/metal curved roof..

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard

After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.

April 9 - Shelterforce Magazine