Best answer is to allow them licenses

Letters were published this week about Bill Sarto's response to Chris Bailey's column on unlicensed/uninsured drivers. Those letters offer examples of problems, but the writers failed to consider several factors.

These drivers are already on the road in spite of current laws punishing those without a license or insurance. Drivers without insurance are fined $1,000 and given a minimum three-month license suspension. While intended as a deterrent, it does not address the expense of accidents caused by these drivers.

Is towing additional vehicles an adequate solution? It should be obvious. If the cost to retrieve the vehicle is greater than its value, it will not be claimed. In all likelihood, the offender will be out on the road with another vehicle within hours. Though part of current law, threats fail to deter such drivers.

How shall our roads be made safer? The federal government is letting people into this country through "leaky borders" to provide businesses with cheap labor. Because they need to get to those jobs, allowing these drivers to obtain licenses and insurance could lessen both the problem of untrained drivers and of licensed and insured drivers having to foot the bill in accidents with them. This seems the purpose for Illinois considering such a measure. By considering the root of the problem, it intends to solve much more than does simply the threat of a fine and loss of one's vehicle.

Steve Johnson

Elgin