Speeding on highways causes thousands of deaths every year in the United States. In 2023, over 11,775 people died in speeding-related crashes, accounting for 29% of all traffic fatalities. Some people survive accidents for multiple reasons, such as the design of the car, its weight, or defensive driving. Now, one state approves rigorous measures to make drivers have a better sense of driving, since it’s something that can easily fall into the routine and become normal. Florida and Pennsylvania are leading the ‘revolution’ to prevent thousands of accidents that occurred in the states in previous years.
States are to adopt strict requirements while driving
The Sunshine State approves rigorous methods for teenagers to get their first driver’s license. Starting in 2026, every 15-year-old kid who wants to apply for a learner’s permit must complete the Full Driving Course. The measure expects that a more in-depth study will create a better sense of understanding of the responsibility of driving a car.
On the other side, the Keystone state approves measures to prevent drivers from using their phones or any handheld device when stopped at a traffic light or driving. From next year, this could lead to a $50 fine, plus court costs and additional fees. Now, other state approves their own rigorous measures, and Hawaii has also joined the effort to prevent heavy vehicles from getting involved in accidents.
Hawaii officials create a bill to avoid major accidents
In February 2025, officials from the state approved the bill introduced as the Hawaii House Bill 229 to limit the speed of trucks weighing over 10,000 pounds. Before the bill was implemented, cars weighing the same amount or more were not restricted from going faster than 90 mph, with some roads not even allowing speeds over 88 mph. Now, they cannot travel faster than 50 miles per hour.
The rule has a few exceptions: if the driver needs to overtake another vehicle or is preparing to turn to the side, then it can exceed the speed limit, but it must shortly return to it. The bill is not yet in effect and should make its way to Hawaiian roads in the second quarter of 2025 – if approved. If it goes into action and data centers like the PennDOT (from Pennsylvania), or other institutions, study its effects, it can be implemented in other areas with their own versions.
What made these state approves the changes?
What triggered officials from Hawaii to create this bill was the death of a married couple in Florida at the beginning of the year. The person responsible for the crash, a 17-year-old, is facing multiple charges after being accused. According to the description of the accident that occurred 25 miles north of Miami, the teenager Alberto Oswaldo Yanez Quintana, was driving a 2019 Dodge Charger almost twice the speed limit of the area (45mph).
According to the Law&Crime report of the accident, Alberto was speeding away from a shopping plaza in the region where he had just met his friends, and he was trying to show off the power of his new car when he drove away. A camera on a Tesla captured the teenager speeding down the road moments before the accident took place. The accident took the lives of an elderly couple in their Ford Fusion that was turning left at a stop sign.
The state approves laws to try to change these scenarios. This is just one of the thousands of fatalities caused by car accidents in the U.S. caused mainly by teenagers or young adults. Based on a study from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, teens are four times more likely to get involved in a crash or come close to one than adults. Just as it is, the chances of a teen getting into a fatality in traffic are three times higher.