My Corner of the Web
Updated: 10 August 2007
Update 8/10/2007 - A Navy veteran just challenged the abusive driver law for being charged with reckless driving for going 75 in a 55mph highway. This is EXACTLY my problem with the law (as I stated weeks ago below).
Since June 30, 2007, I have been emailing my Virginia Delegate (Scott Lingamfelter), Senator and Governor to ask them to fix the abusiver driver law. There are numerous problems with the law. My main problem with the law was that the 55mph speed limits on parts of I-66 and I-95 are way too low if you are going to strictly enforce (with draconian measures) a "reckless driving" offense for 20mph over such a low speed limit. Such an action has nothing to do with safety and everything to do with revenue. I believe such misguided lawmaking undermines the rule of law by making the law a laughing stock that wars against common sense, prudence and integrity. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem punishing abusive drivers - but this flawed law put the emphasis in the wrong areas.
Obviously, many people in Virginia are angry over this and this online petition proves it.
Today, Delegate Lingamfelter emailed me to announce his official call to repeal the law. I am proud that Scott represents my district and in his email on the subject he stated that he was a Battalion Commander in Korea. Having also served as an Intelligence Officer in Korea, I would have gladly served under his command. I applaud this display of leadership by Scott Lingamfelter on this issue and hope the residents of Virginia stand with him to correct this law.