State Senate Approves Harsher Penalties for Unlicensed Drivers

I just read a press release by Democrat Oklahoma State Senator Debbie Leftwitch on her bill to create stiffer penalties for unlicensed drivers causing injury/fatality accidents. The bill was approved by the full Senate. I want to give her kudos for doing the right thing. I wanted to add that in most circumstances these drivers do not carry insurance either, thus harming the injured and/or their families further. Anyway, good job to Senator Leftwitch and about time some common sense starts coming out rather than the bills to protect insurance companies. The press release is as follows:

“Last summer, there were two accidents in my district, each involving a person driving with a suspended license. In each accident a child died,” Leftwich said. “I was shocked to learn the most those drivers could be charged with was a misdemeanor. That’s barely a slap on the wrist.”

Under Leftwich’s bill, an individual knowingly driving with a license that had been suspended, revoked, canceled or denied could be charged with a felony. If convicted, they could serve up to seven years in prison.

“We’re talking about people who know they are not supposed to get behind the wheel, but they go ahead and drive anyway,” said Leftwich, D-Oklahoma City. “Unfortunately, sometimes these individuals cause very serious accidents, but under current law, there are no serious consequences for their actions. That’s got to change.”

The measure will now be sent to the House of Representatives for committee consideration.