Punish unsafe drivers more severely

You're right about aggressive driving ["Aggressive driving is everywhere," Editorial, May 24], but Suffolk Police Commissioner Richard Dormer said he has "no illusions the [task force] effort will change Long Island's driving culture."

Dormer said, "It's been that way forever. Drivers here are aggressive. But we've got to try" ["Taking unsafe drivers to task," News, May 23].

Trying doesn't cut it when lives are at stake. Many of Suffolk's dangerous drivers (138 motorists and pedestrians died on Suffolk's roads in 2009) could be dissuaded from their horrible habits if only they knew in advance that if they committed any of their usual "car crimes," they would automatically be subject to a triple play: a fine of at least $1,000, plus at least 10 days in jail, plus at least 30 days' impoundment of the vehicle, including payment of all of the county's related costs: towing, storage, police time, court costs, etc.

Strict enforcement of such policies would deter most dangerous drivers from practicing their too-often deadly "culture."

Richard Siegelman, Plainview
 

Yes, the roads are filled with drivers who are "aggressive beyond reason." But for better solutions, we must look also to the lack of simple courtesy that exists in all of the many states that I have traveled -- and New York is certainly no exception.

My issue is lane-changing: the feeling of entitlement of those who feel their rate of travel is the only proper rate of speed. Many years ago when I sat in driver education classes, I was told that if I was not passing another vehicle I should stay to the right and let others by. I routinely do this and am very conscious of my relative rate of travel.

In earlier times, it was assumed that a driver who was obstructing traffic was preoccupied or otherwise not aware of trailing vehicles. I was told that if I felt another driver was not cognizant of delaying the flow of traffic, I should blink my headlights or toot the horn to request that the driver yield to faster moving traffic.

That, was many, many years ago. In 2011, these actions only cause "entitlement" to evolve into passive aggression or even rage. Some drivers, knowing this, will drive too close to the car ahead to get the lead driver to pull over, or to find an opening to pass. The former is almost always unsuccessful; the latter is dangerous.

One hopes some drivers, and police officers and sheriff's deputies will reflect on these issues and make Long Island's very difficult driving environment a little more bearable for all.

Bruce Miller, Port Jefferson