One in ten vehicles may be driven “legally.” Are you concerned?

Inviting Conversation for February 23, 2010

Whether or not driving is a right or a privilege has been debated for as long as I can remember. Whichever side one takes with this, one should acknowledge that certain conditions must be met to be “legally” allowed to drive. In most states, the vehicle should be properly insured. Some states require the vehicle to pass an emissions test to be considered legally roadworthy. The vehicle must be registered. The person should be properly licensed, which means having a license with the correct information, as well as a license in good standing. There are situations when a license revocation or suspension has been declared. This should be common knowledge.

I recently discovered that an alarming number of drivers who have had their licenses suspended because of a DUI charge are still driving. I have read several reports where an estimated 20% of fatal crashes involve an unlicensed driver. Although alcohol-related deaths are on the decline, deaths relative to drug use are rising heavily. I heard a recent discussion on the radio which focused the rising use of marijuana by Americans 55 and older, from 1.9% to 2.9%. Ohio reported that in 2008, 626,255 administrative or court-mandated drivers license suspensions were handled by the BMV. This generated $36,692,637 in reinstatement fees for the state.

An attorney informed me that at a recent CLE (learning) seminar, it was revealed that it is estimated that 9 in 10 drivers on Ohio roads are missing one or more elements which means they not legally compliant as they drive. The drivers may have no insurance. Their licenses are suspended, revoked or have incorrect information. The driver may have no license at all. I confirmed this with another attorney who attended the event.

As ten vehicles pass by you, think about that. Only ONE of them may be truly “legal.” Should anything be done? Do we need checkpoints? How do we discern between people who made mistakes versus those who knowingly disregard the law? Should it matter? Is it economically feasible to try and stop all of the people driving illegally? One in ten vehicles may be driven “legally.” Are you concerned?

Information taken for this article from:
http://www.bmv.ohio.gov/facts_figures.stm

http://www.thetennesseeautoaccidentattorney.com/tag/drivers-with-suspended-and-revoked-licenses-often-drive/