[lrosen]

Originally Posted by Steve Barcak

Your point is well taken and I agree.
Think about this. In Arizona when you apply for your drivers license, you get it for some stupid amount of time like 30-40years! How dumb is that? They want you to renew your plates every year or so but, your license? event several decades.

That is one of the core problems on the road IMO. Not sure if other states do this stipid thing or not.
Why is it stupid? Well, laws change for one thing. How does one learn of changes? I get some of my info from the local news but, not everyone listens to that. Also, it is not the news medias job to keep drivers up to date on the laws.
The police and hiway partrols job is enforcement, not education.

IF Arizona, and other states, had an annual ( as an example ) required drivers license test, people would be more aware of the laws.
They could be reminded about how important courtesy is.
They could be reminded that driving is a privlige.

People should be shown movies with examples of how to drive each year. Then, after the movie, should be tested on it.
The the states focused on the 5 main reasons for accidents ( I would bet speeding and tailgating are in the top 2 ) during these annual required tests, I bet people would become more aware of their responsiblity behind the wheel.

Here in Indy you must renew your license every 6 years (4 for seniors) and it doesn't help. They leave the BMV just as ignorant as they entered.

I was waiting in line to pay for my new license and got stuck for 5 minutes behind some illegal that couldn't speak english or even write or sign his name. The cashier just said mark an "X" on the signature line and gave him his license. And I have to share the road with them?

And the top 10 causes of accidents (speeding is only #8 and tailgating not listed - might be reckless driving):

10. Bad roads
9. Reckless driving
8. Speeding
7. Driver Distraction
6. Drug use
5. Drunk driving
4. Rubbernecking
3. Eating in the car
2. Changing CD/Radio
1. Cell phone use