If “speeding” – defined as driving faster than the legally posted maximum velocity – is necessarily “unsafe,” why do cops do so routinely?
The answer, of course, is: Because they can.
More precisely, they can do so with impunity. Who watches the watchmen, after all?
Here is a recent – and particularly egregious – example:
Denver cop Derrick Saunders was caught doing 143 MPH in a 55 – while legally drunk (.089 BAC). The repercussions? A 42 day suspension. At first, he was at least fired. But Saunders, who like a lot of cops apparently does not believe that “speed kills” when he is the one speeding - appealed his firing. And the police union backed him up. To repeat: a drunk cop doing 143 MPH in a 55 is demanding his job back. And the police union is helping him get his job back. The full story is here.
Meanwhile, let’s consider what would have happened to a non-anointed Mere Ordinary in my own state of Virginia:
Va. defines “reckless driving” as exceeding the posted maximum speed by more than 20 MPH – or any speed over 80 MPH, anywhere. Note carefully that one’s driving is considered legally reckless merely as a function of speed. It is not a viable legal defense to argue that you were sober – and in full control of your car and posed no danger to anyone. Merely to be caught driving 80 MPH of faster ( that’s all of 10 MPH over the highway limit of 70 MPH) or faster than 20 MPH over any posted limit (so, for instance, 56 MPH in a posted 35 zone) constitutes “reckless” driving – ipso facto – which in Va. is a Class 1 misdemeanor criminal offense, not merely an infraction – like a standard speeding ticket. If convicted, you will have a permanent criminal record that will be indexed in the NCIC database (where murderers, rapists and others are cataloged), spend up to a year in jail, pay a $2,500 fine, and face the strong likelihood that your driving privileges will be suspended for six months – and the absolute certainty that you will pay extortionate insurance premiums for at least the next five years.
More
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Cops are the worst speeders on the road. I swear this article brings up the same point I have over, and over, and over, and over again. The cops watch us...but who watches them? I think it is time for a system of checks and balances for police departments as well. I understand the point in being a cops is to do good but they break the law just as much as the next person and habitually break the law when it conviently helps them.
ReplyDeleteI routinely see the state cops pulling some of the most bizarre traffic maneuvers while traveling rt. 50. It gets even better when they walk out into traffic almost causing a pile up to write a ticket! meanwhile the criminals are running wild. here for our protection, lol! just generate the revenue!
ReplyDeleteThis is so sickening.
ReplyDeleteNothing any official can do will stop these mercenaries until the people stand and remind these lawless law enforcement officers who pays them, and who punishes wrongdoing.
HEADLINE:
COP EUTHANIZED FOR SPEEDING
I think they would begin to slow down.
They should be held to higher account and punished even MORE severely for crimes they commit instead of being protected from the law.
lesson here - be a cop and quit whining. either that or dont speed.
ReplyDeleteThe speeding is crazy. What in the world was he driving that was traveling at that speed. What some people forget is now the hand holders have declared alcoholism a disease and not a choice, thus protected under the A.D.A. So if this cop said I have a problem with drinking and its my addiction that caused me to do what I did, he could not be fired. How about hurting him in the pocket book. Your not fired, but your suspended without pay for 6 months.
ReplyDelete“Are you upset little friend? Have you been lying awake worrying? Well, don't worry...I'm here. The flood waters will recede, the famine will end, the sun will shine tomorrow, and I will always be here to take care of you. -Charlie Brown to Snoopy”
ReplyDeletePs: Dry your eyes and wipe off those tears.