EDITORIAL: Stiffer Penalties Needed for Uninsured Motorists

You work hard to pay your bills on time, provide for your family and responsibly follow state law by carrying automobile insurance.

How does it make you feel to know there are thousands out there who drive along our highways and roads with no automobile insurance? Isn't fair, is it?

The Insurance Research Council revealed that 26 percent of Alabama drivers did not have insurance in a study released in January.

We can blame the economy to some degree. After all, insurance isn't free and, depending on a person's risk factors that include, type of automobile, age and driving record, can really drain one's bank account.

But that's no excuse.

There's a reason why carrying insurance, at least liability, was made into law.

It's about responsibility.

It's about accountability.

People should not be allowed to roam the highways without accountability, and that's what an insurance card is supposed to give us.

Besides, it's simply not fair to responsible drivers who pay their insurance companies to make sure that if they are at fault in an accident that the other party is taken care of.

What if a motorist with no insurance t-bones your vehicle? Who pays for that?

Some people who are struggling financially who need transportation for jobs to provide for their families argue they cannot afford the cost of insurance.

We're in the midst of a health care war. What's next? Socialized auto insurance?

Is it a better option for responsible motorists to purchase extra insurance that covers the uninsured motorist, further protecting themselves?

It is if the motorist has the financial means to do so. But it is horribly wrong for drivers to have to resort to such measures.

The first offense penalty for driving without liability insurance in Alabama, if convicted, is suspension of license plate renewal followed by a $100 reinstatement fine. Reinstatement can be made as soon as proof of insurance is shown.

Sounds severe. But evidently, it isn't severe enough if 26 percent of motorists ignore the law.

Toughen this penalty. Keep uninsured drivers off the road and teach people responsibility.

Insured motorists deserve that much.