I am writing a response to the letter by Cal Groening (Nov. 3 edition of the Mission Record).
Although I am aware of the reckless behavior of some drivers in Mission, and believe that there should be a consequence for these actions, I also believe that the consequences should not necessarily be more strict, but should be more consistent.
In my opinion, the significant root cause of these dangerous driving habits aren’t because drivers are speeding over posted speed limits or doing anything else illegally, but moreso because if/when they do get pulled over, sometimes they do not receive a punishment. From my own experience, at the time of being caught driving illegally, I have received a ticket for speeding and have also been let go as “a warning” in another incident. It’s a matter of a police officer to decide whether they are going to give you a punishment or not – perhaps depending on their mood or what they feel like doing in that moment.
Furthermore, using a form of threat such as putting up photo radars or traffic light cameras are typically useless as a driver can become aware of this and simply avoid driving dangerously in that moment. Regarding the dangers of marijuana and alcohol in your argument, again, punishment in this case is highly inconsistent; not everyone who drives under the influence is caught, many get away with it.
Raising fines and penalties in an attempt to enforce proper driving behavior is not the best way of educating the public about driving habits. Instead, drivers should be given a penalty fee for their illegal driving in addition to being sent to a mandatory class session on their actions and possible dangers to themselves and others in doing them. This way, the time spent for this cause would be more beneficial and educational than a ticket.
It shouldn’t be the drivers who should be changing their driving habits, it should be the government who provides a chance for them to do so.
Natalie Sichon
Mission