Well, it has happened again. Two drunks out driving when they both should have known that this was utterly stupid, and one thinking the other was too drunk to drive, and volunteering, when he had a suspended license. Which one was worse?
I have been saying for years, and nobody listens: The only way to get drunks off the street is take away their cars. Obviously this would cause them great problems, like getting to work, if they work. However, something needs to be done to protect the innocent other drivers, and pedestrians that are currently sharing the road with them. A graduated schedule of impoundment would be necessary, but should not be difficult to develop.
A first DUI, without injury to others, would need a shorter impoundment, while a vehicular homicide, or driving with a suspended license, should require forfeiture of the vehicle. Some graduated period of impoundment could apply for situations between the two extremes.
What will it take to get such a law passed? The “accidental” death of a member of the governor’s family or some other highly placed individual? This is not rocket science, just a common-sense approach to a most egregious action by an irresponsible portion of our society. Lift the license, impound the car.
Another step would be requiring insurance to license a car, and the car and insurance both removed with a DUI — the car not to be released or moved without both items reinstated. Computers should be able to make this system work. Uninsured motorists are also a problem that is not addressed well by current law.
Pat Jacobs
Snohomish
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