Bright (Pink) Idea

Arkansas Wants Pink Plates For Drink-Drivers

Drink-drivers in Arkansas could be easily identified if state authorities have their way. They might be forced to fit bright pink licence plates to their vehicles to warn other motorists of their conviction. Lawmakers want the distinctive plates to carry the special letters DWI, an acronym for Driving While under the Influence.
According to The Malvern Daily Record, the proposal, by Rep. Pam Adcock, would require anyone convicted three or more times of driving while intoxicated to display the pink plates.
``The DWI licence plate shall be a bright pink color that is easily distinguishable from other license plates issued in the state,'' the bill says. The bill affects drivers who also are required to have ignition interlock devices installed in their vehicles. There is an additional proposal to have drink-drivers' vehicles fitted with ignition interlock devices which would prevent the car starting if they detect alcohol on a motorist's breath.
Allow me to give you my perspective on this debate. I live in an Australian state - Victoria - that places a special emphasis on reducing the road toll. We are accustomed to seeing floral tributes placed on roadsides and fastened to light poles, to mark the spot where a fatal accident has taken place. Interestingly, police and local authorities do not force people to remove the flowers, in the hope that they will help create a growing awareness of road safety. In the past few months, drivers here have started to see other tangible signs - bumper stickers that say: ``Touched by the road toll’’.
Let’s stand up and be counted on this issue. I think the Arkansas proposal has merits, especially because the plates would not be used for one-time offenders, but would only be used for repeat offenders with three or more convictions. Yes, I understand this is a deeply divisive matter, balancing privacy issues with the crucial need to protect us all - including the drink-drivers, whose lives are just as valuable as everyone else.
But I’m giving Rep Pam Adcock my support. The bottom line is that the plan is all about saving lives.

FOOTNOTE: Please post a comment to say what you think of Rep. Pam Adcock's proposal.