Take repeat DUI offenders off streets

Petaluma has taken the lead in Sonoma County's battle to get repeat DUI offenders off the road.

An aggressive effort that includes periodic DUI checkpoints and stakeouts of repeat offenders has done much to clear the streets of drivers who pose a danger to all.

But law enforcement officers need help.

Too often, drivers involved in DUI crashes are repeat offenders who are too soon back on the streets as legally licensed drivers. Law enforcement officers need stronger legislation to prevent DUI offenders from continuing to threaten the lives and well-being of responsible motorists.

The good news is that the California Legislature, in the midst of debating such crucial issues as the rescinding of the designation of serpentine as the official state rock, has found time to work on legislation that would enhance license revocaion regulations of repeat DUI offenders.

As with most other issues involving state legislation, there is no simple solution as common sense collides with political reality.

Spurred by the death of Melody Osheroff, a Novato teen who was hit and killed in 2009 by a motorcyclist who had 12 prior convictions for DUI or reckless driving, Assemblymember Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael), introduced “Melody's Law,” legislation that calls for the Department of Motor Vehicles to revoke the driver's license of anyone convicted of a DUI for the third time. After five years, convicted drivers could apply to have their license reinstated. Four convictions would result in permanent license loss.

The Senate Public Safety Committee refused to allow the bill to be put to a vote partially because Huffman had not gone through the normal Assembly process before introducing it to the Senate committee.

Closer to becoming a bill by Assemblymember Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo), Hill's bill would allow a judge (as opposed to the DMV) to revoke a driver's license for up to 10 years if a third DUI conviction occurs, but allows for reinstatement, subject to conditions, after five years.

Hill's bill is scheduled to be discussed by the state Senate Appropriation Committee on Monday, Aug. 2. If passed out of committee, it will be taken to the Senate floor.

Critics say that legislation won't stop offenders from driving with or without a license. There may be some who will drive without a license, but taking away a driver's license will deter many and it will give the judicial system a bigger hammer if they are ever caught again.

We would like to see legislation with even more bite than either the one proposed by Huffman or the one on the governor's desk sponsored by Hill. A three strikes law would seem to be a logical treatment for drunken drivers. Three convictions and the driver's license is gone. No excuses, no more chances.

We would also like to see more consideration given to requiring offenders to install, at their expense, ignition interlock devices that would require they prove to their vehicles they are sober enough to drive.

Alcoholism, like any drug addiction, is a serious disease, and much more needs to be done in the way of treatment and rehabilitation.

Drinking and driving is a choice. An impaired driver is obviously not one that makes good choices.

People who decide to get behind a steering wheel after drinking may not realize just how dangerous a step they are taking, but they are well aware that it is illegal. They should also be aware that there will be harsh penalties when they are caught.

Either Huffman's or Hill's proposed bills would be an improvement, but what is really needed is legislation that will keep repeat DUI offenders off the road permanently.