Massachusetts actually does prosecute drivers, if they are at fault in the accident. It has to be blatant, with witnesses, etc. In the case of
this accident, I have been told the driver was not charged, because the cyclist ran the light. That is hearsay, not reported in this article.
Originally Posted by
crackerdog
Washington state is terrible (as are most states) with pursuing deaths to peds or bicyclists by drivers. We had one near here a couple of summers ago, where the driver was driving with a suspended license and didn't get a ticket for killing a bicyclist. He did get a ticket for driving with a suspended license. They could at least take away their license to drive forever. Let's make driving with a suspended license a serious crime, it is a willing crime with intent after all.
I agree completely with this. If you are caught driving without a license, (suspended, revoked, etc.) The punishment is a one hundred dollar fine. That's it. Oh sure, you get arrested ,but in most cases, you'll be released on your own recognizance, regardless of how many times you have done this.
Stronger laws are clearly needed, but they will be hard to get. Americans vote with their right foot.