Death - Felony - Sentencing

Metro Louisville's Coroner's Office reported:
twentyfour (24) deaths in 2007 - pedestrian (23) & cyclist (1)
thirtytwo (32) deaths in 2008 - pedestrian (26), wheelchair users (1) & cyclist (5)
by drivers moving at killing speeds.

Deaths in 2009 include:
School crossing guard Elaine Elgie, killed after helping a child cross the road at her school crosswalk the morning of February 27.
Cyclist John Carr, 47, hit from behind by a drunk driver and killed instantly August 1.

The loss to irresponsible driving by victims and by their families is tragic. We share their loss. We also share the road with those who endanger others by irresponsibly operating dangerous vehicles. It is "the others" - those who are endangered by irresponsible driving - that demand our focus. While we mourn victims and sympathize and support victim families, our focus is not on the dead. While we hold no antipathy for the ones whose irresponsible driving results in death and injury, our focus is not on the drivers. Our focus is on the greater community. How, for the good of the greater community, do we communicate that we will no longer tolerate the irresponsible operation of vehicles capable of maiming and killing?

It has been suggested that drivers' licenses should be suspended. We agree. We also remember that in December 2006 a driver driving with a suspended license hit and killed a thirteen year old girl walking to school. The driver "did not see the child" and was fined and told to enroll for traffic school. Suspension alone is obviously an inadequate response. A much stronger response is needed.

It has also been suggested that new legislation on the state level is needed. Only after current law has been enforced and proven deficient, can we agree with that suggestion. The current law is not being enforced, charges are not pressed and aggressively pursued. We are asking that felony charges be pressed.

ALTERNATIVE SENTENCING FOR CONVICTED DRIVERS
Assuming conviction follows charges and trial, what sentence is appropriate? Imprisonment is costly and generally detrimental to all envolved. Why not sentence the convicted driver to traveling at or under the commuting speed of a cyclist? Ankle bracelets can relay to a computer the location (GPS) of the convicted. The computer can monitor the speed at which the convicted moves from point to point. If the convicted violates the terms, then harsher terms go into effect. This concept should decrease the number of irresponsible drivers and increase the number of pedestrians, cyclists and bus riders. Many Louisville residents rely solely on walking, cycling and TARC. It is possible to live a rewarding life without the use of a car. This sentence alternative may be unussual, but rather than cruel, it is generous, redeeming and life enriching. We must explore serious sentencing alternatives.

Media accounts of our faux coffin rides and contacts with the Commonwealth Attorney's Office, Louisville's police and mayor can be found at: www.bikecourier.org (click Advocacy, click Media)