Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, December 17, 1993 TAG: 9312200316
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A22 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Suspended drivers had caused two shocking fatal accidents in the Roanoke Valley in the months before, and 150 speakers made it clear to the legislators that they wanted something done to get these scofflaws off the road. Taking away their licenses wasn't doing the job.
Taking away their cars, though - that might get some results.
The subcommittee of lawmakers that went off to study the problem apparently thought so, too, coming back with tough legislation allowing the immediate impoundment of cars operated by drivers whose licenses have been suspended for driving under the influence.
An excellent idea.
If anything, the proposal should be stronger, as Roanoke Commonwealth's Attorney Donald Caldwell suggests: not just 30-day impoundments, but confiscation of the cars of the most dangerous drivers, those with multiple suspensions or repeat DUI offenses.
The state tried and abandoned a similar seizure law, claiming it was too expensive and time-consuming to enforce. The 30-day impoundment could have an impact - particularly if offenders have to pay the costs involved. It is well worth a try.
Del. Richard Cranwell promises this will be just part of a package that will include much-needed administrative revocation, which would allow police to take away the license of a suspected drunken driver at the time of his or her arrest. Such legislation has been passed twice, only to die ignominiously in the machinery of state politics.
Gov.-elect George Allen opposes the measure. As part of broad, anti-drunken-driving legislation, though, it could be tough to veto, and should be.
The subcommittee's proposal to stiffen the penalty for people who knowingly allow drivers with suspended or revoked licenses to drive their cars is also a good one. Only one of the lawmakers' recommendations would be better left undone: lowering the blood-alcohol content necessary for a drunken-driving conviction.
Citizens in this part of the state have been moved by tragedy to demand that drivers who show criminal disregard for the safety of others be removed from the roads. On Wednesday, in Roanoke, a judge was moved to jail a 20-year-old for killing Dustin Washburn, a 9-year-old on his way to the store to get a candy bar. The scofflaw had been racing, on a restricted license.
No more innocent blood should have to be shed before lawmakers and the state's new governor are also moved - to action.
by CNB