A teen who admitted being “addicted to speed” killed four people while driving 112 mph in a Seattle suburb. Chase Daniel Jones had already wrecked two cars before the fatal crash in March 2024. He ran a red light and slammed into a minivan, killing Andrea Hudson and three children she was transporting. Two other children survived but were hospitalized for weeks.
After Jones was sentenced to over 17 years in prison, the judge added a unique condition. If Jones ever drives again, his car must have a speed-limiting device. The device would prevent him from going far above the speed limit.
For safer roads, speed must be controlled.
Virginia became the first state to let judges order these devices for dangerous drivers. Washington, D.C. already uses them. Washington state and Georgia are set to follow. New York and California may also adopt the technology soon.
Andrea Hudson, 38, was helping homeschool kids and building a greenhouse with her husband. Her father, Ted Smith, shared their story with lawmakers. He also supported a new law to require these devices for repeat speeders.
The law is called the BEAM Act. It honors the victims: Buster, Eloise, Andrea, and Matilda. Washington’s governor is expected to sign it soon.
Rep. Mari Leavitt, who sponsored the bill, said losing a license isn’t enough. Many people keep driving anyway. From 2019 to 2024, Washington saw a 200% rise in extreme speeding.
For safer roads, speed must be controlled.
The devices use GPS to limit speed in real-time. An override button allows speeding only in emergencies. If used, authorities get notified. A milder version just beeps when drivers go too fast.
California vetoed a similar bill over federal regulation concerns. However, Europe already requires these devices in new cars.
One company said fleet vehicles have used the tech for years. It took time to perfect it, but it’s now reliable. Satellite upgrades improved accuracy.
A Virginia lawmaker tested the device before backing the bill. He now wants the tech for his own kids’ cars. The device costs about $4 per day and $100 to install. Low-income drivers could pay less.
Amy Cohen, who lost her son to speeding, emphasized how slower speeds save lives. Her advocacy group supports the change.
“For safer roads, speed must be controlled,” she said. “Every mile slower can make the difference between life and death.”
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