Sandy Springs Police officers have caught “super speeders” driving well over 100 mph on many occasions on GA 400.
SSPD traffic units monitoring southbound traffic on GA 400 observed a 2023 Cadillac CT5-V traveling 143 mph in a 65 mph zone on June 4 at 10:12 p.m. That driver was charged as a super speeder and for reckless driving.
Six days later, officers were monitoring vehicles southbound on GA 400 and observed a vehicle traveling 115 mph in a 65 mph zone at approximately 10:49 p.m. The driver was also cited as a super speeder.
Georgia law defines a super speeder as a driver convicted of speeding at 75 mph or more on a two-lane road or at 85 mph and above on any road or highway in the State of Georgia, according to the Department of Driver Services (DDS).
After the DDS is notified of the conviction, it will send notice to the driver of the super speeder violation and the required $200 fee the driver must pay within 120 days of receiving the notice.
Losing control of the vehicle and endangering other motorists are some of the dangers these super speeders create, SSPD Sgt. Leon Millholland told Rough Draft. The violence of an impact increases with additional speed. The construction on GA 400 and I-285 adds to the danger.
SSPD traffic division officers have investigated several types of accidents involving super speeders, including rear-end, sideswipe, rollover, and even vehicle vs. pedestrian accidents.
The consequences can cause the ejection of the vehicle’s occupants if they are not wearing a safety belt properly. Serious injuries are likely including lacerations, internal injuries, and impalement, with death a real possibility.
A driver caught violating the speed limit as a super speeder will be charged with reckless driving if the officer cites the driver for other traffic violations.
“In most situations when the officer charges the driver with super speeder and reckless driving, the driver will be arrested, taken to jail, and the vehicle will be impounded,” Millholland said.
If convicted, the driver must pay a fine to the local jurisdiction. An additional fine will be paid to the DDS. Adding a reckless driving charge adds more fines.
Police Chief Ken DeSimone wanted to remind all drivers to slow down, demonstrate patience for other drivers, and remain alert as they operate their vehicles on the roadways this summer.
“We all want to make it home safely,” he said.
