Take cars away from drunk drivers

I read in the April 24 Daily Herald the story of a driver convicted of DUI 15 times. One authority stated that if someone wants to keep driving when ordered not to and when they have lost their driver's license, they cannot be stopped. The same issue had a follow-up on the Canadian incident of a driver apparently killing and injuring many pedestrians deliberately.

The obvious solution is to limit the right to own and use automobiles. We grant it almost indiscriminately. Most people do not need to drive, particularly where there are large concentrations of pedestrians or students. And automobiles are a major source of green house gases.

Limit car ownership to those few who can prove a need and then only after extensive background checks. No driving to the mall. Take a bus. No driving to school. Take a bus or walk. Use public transportation to get to work.

Automobiles are too dangerous to leave to just anyone. Also, a certain level of maturity is needed, so no driving until the age of 21. Think of the drop in accidents caused by distracted drivers. If it would work for firearms, it would work for automobiles. And driving has always been a privilege, not a right. So limit it in the name of decency and public safety.

Mark Bailey

Round Lake Beach