LETTERS: NEED INSURANCE LAWS

To the editor:

My son was recently involved in an auto accident in Cape Girardeau with an uninsured motorist. The other driver was ticketed for failure to yield the right of way. He has not come forth with compensation for damages to my son's car, and because the car was an older model, we carried only liability coverage on it. Therefore, my son is without a car, as it was totaled in the accident.

I know we are not the only ones who have had this experience. I urge others who have to contact legislators urging them to introduce, support and pass legislation which would give local law enforcement the authority to enforce these laws and to pass other legislation which would update these laws.

Perhaps a database could be established by the state's motor vehicle bureau and the information could be used for cross-referencing and tracking sexual offenders etc. All registrants/applicants should be required to show proof of paid insurance for a period of not less than six months. When the insurance is no longer in force, for whatever reason, the insurance company should be required to notify the motor vehicle bureau immediately. Local law enforcement authorities could be notified by the motor vehicle bureau to impound the car, suspend or revoke the driver's license and vehicle until such proof is provided to the motor vehicle bureau that the premium is prepaid for a longer period of time and the insurance is again in force.

Law-abiding citizens are victims of these irresponsible drivers. Something must be done to hold these persons accountable for their actions. An innocent victim is penalized through loss of use of his vehicle and must collect damages from his own insurance company to which he has paid premiums for uninsured motorists. No wonder our car insurance premiums continue to rise. Meanwhile, the guilty party continues to drive and enjoy the privileges which he has abused and for which has shown no responsibility. These persons must face the consequences of their actions.

ELLEN BOXDORFER

Cape Girardeau