xevious
(Gary)
7
It’s a good rant. I’m on board.
Firstly, I think the way civilian driver licensing in the USA is done is anemic. You get tested ONCE, to get your license–then that’s it. It’s not until you’re elderly where in some states you need to take a refresher test. The system relies upon the police and insurance companies to keep drivers in check. It’s a reactive system. You crash your car? Your rates go up. You crash it again? You may not even be able to get insurance, unless you’re wealthy. You get multiple speeding tickets? You can end up with enough points on your license to have it suspended.
The trouble with the police system is that enforcement is way too anemic. I really don’t see many police cars on the road or parked monitoring traffic. As a driver, I see way too many bad drivers taking chances and not getting caught.
There should be a driver report system. You have a Bluetooth connected dashcam where you can upload the video compressed to a site where your phone gets a link notification, and then you can send that to a law enforcement authority.
Yes, DUI penalties should be higher. Driving is serious business. A first offender? OK, still a pricey fine. But you do it again? Sorry. Should have bought a breath-tester to keep yourself from driving while intoxicated. You should end up with a suspended license and forced to take a rehabilitation driving course.
Manslaughter should have graver penalties. It’s insane how in some states, white guys with political connections get off with a handslap.