1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to stand up to the auto industry and support Senate Bills 961 and 1509, which are currently on your desk for signature. As a concerned father and advocate for safer streets, I am deeply invested in ensuring the well-being of our community, particularly when it comes to protecting our children. Recently, a tragic incident occurred in our neighborhood when a mother and her six-year-old daughter were struck by a reckless speeding driver while walking to Hancock Park Elementary School. The mother died and the child was critically injured. (https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-04-25/mom-killed-child-injured-crosswalk-crash-near-hancock-park-elementary-school) This heartbreaking event is one of far too many preventable tragedies and underscores the urgent need for legislative action to improve road safety. Senate Bills 961 and 1509 address the pressing issue of speeding, which is the leading cause of traffic violence in California. Despite strong opposition from the auto industry—echoing their resistance to seatbelt mandates in the past—these bills have passed through the legislature and now await your signature. Historically, the auto industry's opposition to seatbelt laws did not prevent their eventual adoption, which has since saved over 500,000 lives in the United States. Similarly, SB 961 and SB 1509 offer essential measures to prevent reckless driving and enhance pedestrian safety, which will undoubtedly save lives and prevent tragedies like the one we recently experienced. As a dad, I am acutely aware of the importance of ensuring our streets are safe for our children and families. The proposed legislation is practical and represents a crucial investment in the safety and well-being of our community. I urge you to support these bills and take decisive action to address the dangers posed by speeding. By doing so, you will contribute to making our streets safer and help prevent future tragedies. Thank you for your consideration.