Man this is terrible. We have had a rash of drunken drivers lately that while driving impaired have taken out entire families of 4 and 5 people, people riding horses, people on bicycles and folks just minding their business on simple trips to the store. We have had drunks driving the wrong way on the expressway several times (I-25 is my complete fear), driving into ditches and killing people trying to get out of their way, you name it. That coupled with the almost complete disregard for traffic rules like signal lights, stop signs and cellphone usage (illegal here) has led to many deaths and wrecks. Is it the same way where you are? I'm pricing tanks.

There was a recent news story here that 5-8% of South Florida drivers on the road are impaired due to alcohol or drugs. I avoid the highways as much as possible and I no longer drive after 9-10PM if at all possible.

We've had that here too. Except our drivers plead innocence by saying "I wasn't drinking, I was smoking pot and taking Vicodin":

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My big complaint is cell phones users. There are a lot more of them than drunks. I live in Los Angeles and the number of people talking while driving is amazing. Yes, this is a city with minimal public transportation to speak of so most everyone is in their car talking on the phone. It doesn't matter whether it is hands free or not it is a disconnect from the attention that should be focused on driving. I almost got rear ended today by a woman on the phone in her X5. I do not make or answer a call while driving. I know people have long commutes and it is efficent to take care of business while stuck in traffic. I would at least like to see a hands free law and have it enforced.

Chucko,

Help is on the way....in 18 months!

09/28/2006
California Passes Cell Phone Law

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed legislation that prohibits the use of handheld mobile phones while driving in the state.

Effective July 1, 2008, the legislation prohibits drivers from using a wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle unless the driver uses a hands-free device. Drivers who violate the law will face a base fine of $20 for a first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense.

The law allows drivers to use a wireless telephone for emergency purposes, drivers of commercial vehicles to use push-to-talk phones until July 1, 2011, and allow drivers of emergency response vehicles to use a cell phone without a hands-free device.

California joins Connecticut, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York, and some local jurisdictions in prohibiting the use of handheld mobile phones while driving.

For more information on the laws in your area, see HR.BLR.com's Cell Phone Laws & Policies Center.

In LV it's complete carnage, every day. Every time I leave the house, I see at least 1 sometimes many more major injury crashes on the surface streets here. The paper reports usually 1-4 people killed as drivers, passengers, bike riders, pedestrians, you name it. The local CBS affil, which seems to have the best news operation said once last month that to date more than 180 people had been killed in the valley in traffic accidents, ans she said it like it was not a big deal.

Wow... it's nuts out there down here.

brad

mpollard, That is good and a start in the right direction. Too bad it doesn't start on Jan 1st.

In the LA area you can count on drunk drivers killing someone almost every day. That almost makes you forget the freeway shootings that seem to happen at least once a week. Maybe people are driving those Hummers for protection.
Marty

I sure wish they would pass a cell phone law here in Hawaii. It is amazing how stupid people become when talking on their cell phone. Almost everytime I see someone drivers weird or running a light, they are on their cell phone.

Russ

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A lot of people are deeply unhappy in our society, Santa Fe. It has to surface somehow; sadly it does so at the expense of others. These are the worst kind of loud cries for help. I'm very sorry for those hurt by the phenomenon, but also sorry for those who, believing they have no recourse, sink to such depths.

Take it easy out there.

Snaxster

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2008 Boxster Black/Black/Sand Beige, 6-speed, PASM, 18" Boxster S wheels, Preferred Package Plus,
Sport Steering Wheel, Automatic Climate Control, Windstop, Hardtop, Porsche rubber floor mats,
deleted model designation, clear side markers, 3M clear bra, set of winter tires and wheels.

Here in Cincinnati there have been at least two alchocol related incidents recently:

1. Some guy drove the wrong way on I-71 and slammed head on into a young mother, killing her. Of course he's okay (for the time being).

2. Some guy slammed into the back of a police cruiser on I-71 while he was stopped to help a bus (I think) that had broken down. Officer was hurt, but I don't think badly. Driver was fine.

I forgot about another Cincy one:

3. Some 16-year old was smoking pot and driving the day after he got his license, reaches for his ringing cell phone and slams head-on into a young mother, killing her. That was on a residential road. I think he was doing 50 or so.

Appropriate time of year to discuss this topic. Our state troopers set up road blocks all the time during the holidays trying to keep drunks off the roads. The newspaper is filled with the violators names. Sadly, I live in a state that encourages irresponsible behavior. We have drive up daiquiri shops here (you want to biggie size that?) and a bar on just about every corner. Open container laws are a joke. In some places there are so many roadside shrines you'd think you were driving through a cemetery. Frankly, my wife and I rarely go anywhere on a weekend evening anymore. To make matters worse, our roads suck. If you have to give way suddenly to an inebriated SOB, chances are you will die trying to avoid him/her. Excellent topic SF.

If you do this , don't do this

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Laissez les bontemps rouler,
Swamp