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November 12, 2005
Repeat Offenders Go Unpunished
The man accused of killing 14-year-old Mathew Brown in an alleged hit-and-run Saturday night had lost his license three times, once for driving while under the influence of alcohol and twice for speeding four times in one year, according to his record with the Registry of Motor Vehicles.Maria Cramer, Boston Globe
Unfortunately, this story illustrates just how little the law can do to protect us from people who have no regard for it. It is also a good lesson in the importance of bicycle helmets (it is the law for children). I have read no mention in news articles as to whether the victim of this tragedy was wearing a helmet. The point is not to blame the victim, but it would be educational to all of us- especially those who do not insist their children wear them.
Reality teaches that there are drivers out there who a helmet or air bags are not going to protect us from. What are we to do with these traffic scofflaws? Is jail time the answer? What about those who continue to drive, even after their licenses have been revoked? My vote is for working boot camps for repeat offenders. Supervised, daily Alcoholic Anonymous meetings should be mandatory along with random drug and alcohol screening. For some, it seems jail is the only option. Somehow we have to get these people off our streets. It is time we got serious about traffic safety. Perhaps three strikes laws should be applied to all offenses potentially dangerous to the public.
Related Article: Jailing Drunk Drivers, Boston Globe
Pertinent Massachusetts Bicycle Law (helmet law also applies): During the period from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, the operator shall display to the front of his bicycle a lamp emitting a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet, and to the rear of said bicycle either a lamp emitting a red light, or a red reflector visible for not less than six hundred feet when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle. A generator powered lamp which emits light only when the bicycle is moving shall meet the requirements of this clause.
Suggested Reading: Beyond Melanie's Law, BOSTON GLOBE ARTICLE
Posted by capecodcyclist at November 12, 2005 08:43 AM
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