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In what ways do we let "chronic crash causers slide"? What changes would meaningfully alter their behavior? I'd argue that most bad drivers know what they're su

In what ways do we let "chronic crash causers slide"? What changes would meaningfully alter their behavior? I'd argue that most bad drivers know what they're supposed to do, and can be on their best behavior during a driving test, but don't care about anyone other than themselves. As soon as they can they'll start cutting people off, dangerously passing, running red lights, etc. In the US, the penalties for crashing your car at this point is often being forced to buy a new car since even low speed accidents can total your vehicle, then you also have your insurance rates skyrocket, and you're often on the hook for a lawyer and showing up to court where you can face being responsible for hundreds of thousands in medical expenses. It's a pretty damn punishing system for people who cause accidents. I suspect that most people (alcoholics aside) are not going around getting into one car crash after another after another. It's just vast numbers of assholes each of which thinks it won't happen to them until it does.

giantg2 4y ago
I know a kid who totalled 3 cars before the end of high school and had one or two fender benders. Whether he was physically unable (ADHD) or actually knew what he was able to do but didn't, this is the type of person that shouldn't be on the road. It can be as punishing as you say, but rarely is. People buy cheap used cars so it's not expensive as you might think. Basic liability insurance isn't crazy either. You'll rarely go to court unless you are uninsured. And insurance will typically cover medical expenses, and comprehensive will even help you buy a new car. It would be pretty simple to revoke people's license if they cause more than one accident in 5 years.
- autoexec 4y ago
  I'd recommend driving classes/suspension before revocation on a second offense over 60 months, but at a certain point, I'd agree some people shouldn't be on the road. A teenager who gets into repeated accidents is probably a good example of someone who'll probably turn out fine once they grow up a little, but something like ADHD could easily continue to be a problem if they don't get it addressed. I'm not sure if there are places where a person can be required to be medicated to drive (like some people are required to have glasses/contacts or supplemental oxygen anytime they are driving) but it wouldn't be a bad idea.

giantg2 4y ago

I know a kid who totalled 3 cars before the end of high school and had one or two fender benders. Whether he was physically unable (ADHD) or actually knew what he was able to do but didn't, this is the type of person that shouldn't be on the road. It can be as punishing as you say, but rarely is. People buy cheap used cars so it's not expensive as you might think. Basic liability insurance isn't crazy either. You'll rarely go to court unless you are uninsured. And insurance will typically cover medical expenses, and comprehensive will even help you buy a new car. It would be pretty simple to revoke people's license if they cause more than one accident in 5 years.

autoexec 4y ago
I'd recommend driving classes/suspension before revocation on a second offense over 60 months, but at a certain point, I'd agree some people shouldn't be on the road. A teenager who gets into repeated accidents is probably a good example of someone who'll probably turn out fine once they grow up a little, but something like ADHD could easily continue to be a problem if they don't get it addressed. I'm not sure if there are places where a person can be required to be medicated to drive (like some people are required to have glasses/contacts or supplemental oxygen anytime they are driving) but it wouldn't be a bad idea.