KIRO NEWSRADIO OPINION

Gee and Ursula back speed cap device for repeat offenders—potential tool for teen drivers?

Apr 17, 2025, 5:00 AM

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Traffic in the Seattle area. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)

(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)

The Washington Senate passed a bill that would require drivers with suspended licenses for reckless driving or speeding to install an “intelligent speed assistant” device in their vehicles, FOX 13 reported. The gadget would prevent drivers from exceeding the posted speed limit unless they hit a red button, which would allow them to override the system up to three times a month.

Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin, co-hosts of “The Gee and Ursula Show” on KIRO Newsradio, agreed with the idea, but not about the red button.

“Get rid of the red button,” Gee said. “I don’t even want it to be an option.”

Lawmakers said the red button would allow drivers to speed up if someone is dangerously tailgating, helping them avoid a potentially unsafe situation.

Gee and Ursula want to get rid of red button

However, Gee wasn’t buying that part.

“I love this idea of giving someone an opportunity to get back on the road. I did not like the whole red button and that lady’s explanation on the—well, if somebody’s riding it coming from behind, speeding. You need to speed more to get out now,” he said.

Ursula agreed with Gee’s point on the red button and also liked the idea of the device.

“In terms of going this route, I love this idea,” she said. “I see why it has a lot of bipartisan support. I see why even the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs supports this, because the reality is, people drive like nuts out there.”

Teen drivers next?

Gee also pointed out that more than repeat offenders could benefit from an “intelligent speed assistant.”

“You want to know who would love this more than anybody in the world? Parents who have that 16-year-old that just got their license, and you found out how much that insurance premium is,” he said.

Listen to the full conversation below:

Listen to Gee and Ursula on “The Gee and Ursula Show” weekday mornings from 9 am to 12 pm on KIRO Newsradio. 

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Gee and Ursula back speed cap device for repeat offenders—potential tool for teen drivers?