Needed fix in tracking traffic violations

When a motorist's driving record is so bad that other drivers are in danger every time he or she pulls away from the curb, then the license of that individual must be pulled.

Unfortunately, that doesn't always happen soon enough to save lives.

In 2005 in West Chicago, Matthew Lane crossed into incoming traffic and crashed into a car carrying 23-year-old Nicole Westerhoff and her 4-year-old son, Devin.

The mother and her child were killed. Lane also died in the crash.

He should have never been on the road. He had about 60 tickets on his driving record, mostly for speeding, at the time of the crash. Yet time after time, Lane had received court supervision -- which gives drivers an opportunity to prove they can operate a vehicle safely and not get ticketed again. Lane learned nothing from a second chance -- indeed from far too many chances that should never have been permitted him -- and people died.

At the time judges rightfully came under fire for being either being alarmingly apathetic or far too lenient. But in fairness to judges, they also have to rely on driving records that thoroughly and accurately summarize histories of traffic violations. DuPage County State's Attorney Joe Birkett vowed to fill gaps in a reporting system, so dangerous drivers like Lane and others would not fall through the cracks and stay on the roads.

That promise has been kept.

Last week, DuPage County unveiled a new computer program that has more detailed and up-to-date information on motorists' records. It will allow more careful screening and scrutiny of these records to warrant removing driving privileges from those who deserve it and to prevent bad drivers from continually getting court supervision.

This new tracking system is clearly needed. Under state law, drivers are not to have more than two court supervisions in any 12-month period. Yet the Daily Herald found that thousands of drivers still manage to get at least three supervisions while keeping their licenses.

The computer system, put together by DuPage County Circuit Court Clerk Chris Kachiroubas' chief deputy, Dewey Hartman, would work well in other counties. Indeed, DuPage officials are encouraging them to become part of the new system. They are offering the computer software for free to other counties, as long as they agree to share traffic violation information.

It is encouraging to see that Kane and Will counties -- which between them had 499 motorists receiving court supervision beyond the two times in 12 months allowed by law -- are considering joining.

When lives are senselessly lost due to flaws in a system designed to keep the public safe, there are demands for change. But too often time passes and nothing is done.

But this time, action has been taken that will hopefully work to close loopholes that have the reckless free to keep endangering lives.