I was taught in my teens that driving is a privilege, not a right. 

Another week, another driver convicted of DUI that has had numerous prior DUI convictions, many resulting in accidents involving loss of property if not life. Now it even includes child endangerment. How does this keep happening over and over again in relatively short periods of time?  Many of these drivers have had their licenses suspended or revoked, and with multiple incidents and charges within 12 months.  It is time to stop this cycle. 

My question comes as — if their vehicle was totaled in an accident, and their licenses are suspended and/or revoked, how do they able to obtain another vehicle? 

Much like there are “Social Host” laws on the books that makes you liable if someone you provided alcohol to has an accident, there needs to be a “Social Motor” law – that if someone has been convicted of DUI (or distracted driving) and has a suspended or revoked license, if you provide a vehicle to that person during their suspension period; sale, lease, lend — YOU are liable if that person gets into another accident while DUI or distracted. 

Again, driving is a privilege, not a right. This statute would go something like this; DUI/Distracted resulting in damage to property or bodily injury – license revoked for 24 months, followed by 12 months of probation.  After 24 months, they will have the opportunity to obtain another vehicle. 

It’s a small step, but perhaps this will break the cycle of the repeat offenders that keep getting behind the wheel once they walk out of a courthouse. 

Time to break this cycle of repeat offenders.  

Rade Radosevich-Slay

Tiverton