The government may soon be able to shut down your car. Biden’s $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill includes a kill switch for new cars.
Biden’s Kill Switch: The Growing Threat of Government Control of Your Car
TLDR: The recent infrastructure bill mandates that all new cars in the U.S. must include technology to monitor driver impairment, raising concerns about government control over personal vehicles. Critics argue this could lead to a loss of freedom and privacy, as well as potential misuse of data collected by car manufacturers.
Did you know that the government may soon have the ability to shut down your car? This alarming possibility stems from a new law requiring car manufacturers to install technology aimed at preventing drunk driving. While this initiative was part of President Biden’s infrastructure bill, it has received little attention in mainstream media.
The Infrastructure Bill and Its Hidden Provisions
The infrastructure bill, touted as President Biden’s biggest domestic accomplishment, includes a requirement that every new American car must have a device to passively monitor the performance of the driver. This device will assess whether the driver may be impaired and subsequently limit vehicle operation. This concept, which sounds like something out of science fiction, has raised significant concerns among lawmakers and the public alike.
Congressman Thomas Massie has voiced strong objections, describing the proposed technology as a “kill switch” that would act as the judge, jury, and executioner regarding a fundamental right: the ability to drive. Despite these concerns, most of Congress supported the measure, and regulators have yet to clarify how this technology will function.
The Debate Over the Term “Kill Switch”
Some media outlets, like USA Today, have downplayed the implications of this technology, claiming there is no actual kill switch in Biden’s bill. However, automotive engineer Lauren Fix points out that the law indeed requires new cars to have technology that identifies impaired drivers and prevents vehicle operation. The disagreement seems to stem from the terminology used; while USA Today rejects the term “kill switch,” the functionality aligns with that definition.
The Push for Drunk Driving Detection
Advocacy groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) support the implementation of this technology, citing examples from Europe where drunk driving detection systems are already in use. These systems can activate an emergency stop if a driver is deemed impaired. The question remains: how many lives must be lost before society accepts the necessity of such technology?
The Broader Implications of Government Control
Critics argue that this technology represents a significant loss of freedom. If a computer decides you cannot drive your vehicle, what recourse do you have? Imagine being stranded on the side of the road, unable to drive to a hospital or assist a loved one in need. This scenario highlights the potential dangers of allowing the government to control vehicle operation.
In addition to the kill switch, there are proposals in California for every new car to have a speed governor that prevents it from exceeding the speed limit by more than ten miles per hour. While some may view this as a safety measure, it could also hinder a driver’s ability to react quickly in emergency situations.
Surveillance and Data Collection in Modern Vehicles
The conversation around government control extends beyond just driving capabilities. Many modern vehicles are equipped with technology that collects extensive data about their users. For instance, Nissan has stated that they can gather information about a driver’s sexual activity. Some cars even have video cameras aimed at passengers and can intercept text messages. Alarmingly, 76% of car manufacturers admit to selling this data, and 56% claim they will share personal information without a court order.
When purchasing a new car, consumers often overlook the lengthy digital documents that outline data collection practices. The fine print typically states that the manufacturer collects data on everything you do in your car, raising serious privacy concerns.
The Mileage Tax and Its Consequences
The Biden administration’s infrastructure bill also includes a proposal for a mileage tax, which would charge drivers based on the distance they travel. While some argue that this is a fair way to pay for road maintenance, it also opens the door for increased government surveillance. If the government knows where you go and how long you stay, it could lead to potential restrictions on personal freedoms.
Imagine a scenario where the government could deny you the ability to drive based on your carbon footprint or other criteria. This level of control could extend to various aspects of life, including access to essential services.
Historical Context and Future Concerns
The potential for government overreach is not merely theoretical. Recent events, such as the Canadian truckers’ protests against COVID-19 mandates, illustrate how governments can leverage financial control over individuals. In that instance, the Canadian government froze the accounts of truckers involved in protests, demonstrating the power that comes with data control.
As technology continues to evolve, the risk of government control over personal vehicles grows. While proponents of these measures argue they are for public safety, critics warn that they represent a dangerous trend toward increased surveillance and loss of personal freedoms.
Conclusion
The introduction of a kill switch in vehicles and the broader implications of government control over personal transportation raise significant ethical and practical questions. As laws are passed and technology advances, it is crucial for citizens to remain vigilant and engaged in discussions about their rights and freedoms. How can we prevent further encroachments on our autonomy? The conversation is just beginning, and your thoughts are welcome in the comments below.