Yogi Berra’s 2001 publication of inspiration and wisdom, “When You Come to a Fork in the Road, TAKE IT,” clashed head on with a recent legislative committee decision, reported in “Lawmakers reject higher fines for using a cellphone while driving,” based on the idea that higher fines have not been proven to increase compliance with the law.

Yogi cautioned us “not to make too many wrong mistakes.”

Yogi Berra’s companion prognostication: “It’s Deja Vu All Over Again,” ring ding-dongs. In 1975, when I became District Court judge, the fine for passing a stopped school bus with lights flashing was $50, according to an administrative list. I increased it to $250; half way in the statute. School bus violations soon decreased from 34 a month to four in the Farmington area. The Legislature, influenced by that, enacted $250 as minimum.  Thus, 48 years of safety for school children using buses. Enough politicians talking through hats.

Instead of increasing the punishment, lawmakers opted to launch an education campaign, advising it is illegal to simultaneously drive a potential accident machine and phone talk. Arguably, drivers of “wheeled phone booths” are book subjects.

So, the fine remains $50. When will politicians realize there is no deterrent effect in $50? Neither now, nor 48 years ago! Last year, 3,154 distracted driver crashes. Eleven were fatal; more than 1,100 caused injuries.

And finally, let’s see a legislative realization that low-income drivers are just as smart as higher-income drivers, when it comes to understanding fines. Use of the term “disproportionately,” meaning low-income drivers pay more than their fair share of fines, is not Yogi Berra’s lingo.

Wise up, lawmakers, or we get Yogi on the case: “The future ain’t what it used to be.”

 

John Benoit

Manchester   

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