LANSING – Pointing to a recent incident in which a Grand Rapids woman had her pelvis broken when she was struck by an angry driver, State Representative Robert Dean (D-Grand Rapids) today reiterated the need to pass his plan to crack down on aggressive drivers.
"Aggressive drivers are a danger to themselves and others, and they need to be taken off the roads – period," Dean said. "People who terrorize law-abiding drivers deserve more than just a slap on the wrist. My bill will ensure that aggressive drivers have their licenses suspended if they can't follow the simple rules of the road."
According to a March 11 article in the Grand Rapids Press, 27-year-old Michaelia Clark was driving north on Grandville Avenue SW on Sunday when another vehicle twice bumped hers in the rear. When she stopped and got out, the vehicle drove past closely and pinned her in-between the vehicles. The incident left Clark with a broken pelvis.
Dean's bill would make "aggressive driving" a misdemeanor punishable by up to $2,500 and 180 days in jail. Aggressive drivers would also have their licenses suspended for one month for a first violation and two years for a subsequent violation.
Dean's bill defines aggressive driving as committing two or more violations during a continuous stretch of driving, including speeding, improper lane changing, following another vehicle too closely, failure to yield, or passing on a shoulder.
"In order to bring more good-paying jobs to our communities, we need to ensure that they are safe for everyone," Dean said. "This law will protect drivers and their passengers – often children – from the road rage of a few dangerous individuals. I call on my colleagues to take this legislation up and pass it quickly, before more innocent people are hurt."