Eric Richardson testifies on intelligent speed assistance implementation

Good afternoon, Chair.

My name is Eric Richardson.

I'm the former Deputy Chief Fleet Officer.

For the city of New York, and I now advise governments and commercial fleets on vehicle safety.

I was actually part of the team who put the first 50-vehicle pilot in place for New York City vehicles and actually had the pleasure to speak on a panel with now Mayor Madami about intelligence speed assist back in 2023.

I want to thank you for getting this legislation finally on paper.

New York State was one of the first states to introduce the law, but not one of the first to pass the law.

In fact, there are many states who are now implementing the law that they've already passed.

I do think that one of the things we need to do is make sure we're doing all the work, taking all the action, and dedicating everything we can to make sure that this law is in place and implemented no later than the scheduled date of May 2027.

As is, we're going to have to wait for violations to be issued, time for notifications to be made, installation time, and quite frankly, I don't think anybody in this room wants to explain to a family that lose a loved one when we have the power to stop the tragedy from happening.

I want to emphasize that ISA works.

We know it works on low-end vehicles, Fords, Chevys, Toyotas.

We know it works on high-end vehicles, Porsches, Mercedes, and we know from the city pilot that it works on all sizes of vehicles.

The reason why I say this is because sometimes laws and good intentions need to catch up to technology.

That is not the case here.

Also, I want to emphasize that I do understand that there's a difference between regular vehicles, commercial vehicles, and city vehicles.

But quite frankly, I think the

current introduction is too broad, exempts too many vehicles, the City Council can pass a law similar to truck side guards that covers city vehicles, regulated fleets, trade waste to ensure that these vehicles are just as safe as everyone else.

The legislation as introduced is a strong step towards saving lives on our roads, and I look forward to working with the council, the sponsors, and your staff to move this towards a vote, get it to the mayor's desk for signature, and implementing it without delay.

Thank you.

Thank you.