“Nick’s Law,” signed by the governor Tuesday, grants the Secretary of State authority to suspend the license of anyone who drives more than 30 mph over the posted speed limit and causes an accident that results in a death. No hearing required.
Limiting one of our most coveted privileges after a fatal accident is good law.
The law was prompted by the high-speed death of Nicholas Grant last summer, and signed on what would have been his 20th birthday.
Bail conditions in criminal speeding cases frequently restrict driving but judges have not taken licenses away, merely elicited promises from defendants to steer clear of the driver’s seat. Now the state can take physical possession of licenses in some cases, taking back a privilege it had previously bestowed.
There are plenty of drivers who exceed speed limits and cause accidents that don’t result in death but do cause very serious injuries. Nick’s Law does not extend to these drivers, but maybe it should.
We urge the Secretary of State’s office to monitor the number of licenses automatically suspended after fatal accidents and evaluate the effectiveness of the measure over the next year. At the same time, that office should tally the number of accidents causing serious injury and resulting in driving restrictions as a bail condition to determine the number of defendants who might be affected if lawmakers considered expanding the rule.
There are more cars on the road today than ever before and many drivers are in such a hurry they show little or no consideration to others.
Nick’s Law is designed to restrict the privilege of someone who has already caused a fatal accident. Our goal should be to prevent accidents in the first place.
Our court system works on a system of punishment and deterrence. Knowing that a charge of criminal speeding might automatically suspend a license could be enough for reckless drivers to back off the gas pedal.
Protection
The Allagash Wilderness Waterway is quintessential Maine and its care and preservation deserve thoughtful planning.
Maine Conservation Commissioner Patrick McGowan made the right choice this week in suspending action on a canoe launch and access plan at John’s Bridge.
Instead of ruling on canoe access, a study panel will be created to look at the 100-mile waterway, its multiple access points and recent incursion on federal guidelines designed to protect this wilderness. The needs of users will also be considered.
When the Allagash was established it enjoyed great protections, but those protections have eroded over the years as user demands have taken precedence over environmental safeguards.
It would be easy to continue granting user demands so we can enjoy the waterway. But easy is not always right.
At one time this nation was peppered with pristine waterways, forests and prairies. Most have been lost to progress.
We cannot allow that to happen to the Allagash. It is a place to be preserved. Here, user demands are less important than strict preservation.
jmeyer@sunjournal.com
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