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Member Feedback Unlicensed to kill It seems to me that a very simple solution to help keep unlicensed drivers off the road [Jan./Feb., page 6] would be to impound their vehicles until they are able to get back their licenses. It would be difficult for them to buy another car without a license, and if they borrowed a car from someone, that person would be the responsible party. Something needs to be done. Giving them back their cars only says that we aren't serious about solving this problem. If they get caught a second time without a valid license, then I think some jail time would be justified. —Betty Schneider, Denver I have an idea for discouraging people without driver's licenses from driving. There aren't many ways to check a person's license, but one that might work is to require showing a license for each gasoline purchase. Each time I pull into a Safeway gas station, I get a discount if I swipe my Safeway card first. That proves the credit card readers can identify cards other than credit cards, so why not make each driver swipe their driver's license too? The idea can be dodged by someone buying gas, then someone else driving the car, but it looks like it might be a starting place. I can see the term “Big Brother” all over this idea, but it certainly isn't any worse than having to get naked at the airport, is it? —Tim Hogan, Denver I think that the police should do road blocks at various locations and check for insurance information as well as driver's licenses. This is something that is done routinely in Arizona , except that they're looking for illegal immigrants. With everyone stopped, there can be no cries of “targeting” certain people. I've always thought that too many people get away without insurance and driving with expired licenses. I hope you think this is a good idea. It will only work with the help of the police. —Barbara Peterson, by email My car was totaled by a driver with no license and no insurance. Luckily I was not injured, but I suffered tremendously financially because my car was in perfect condition with only 44,000 miles on it. This person got five tickets, including two DUIs, and was jailed and then let out because he claimed medical problems. My suggestion is that no matter what a prisoner claims, he or she should not be let out of jail under any condition until they go through the court system and are ruled not guilty.
—Ann Marie Damian, Heeney
Teach courtesy to teens To your six tips for keeping teens crash-free [Jan./Feb., page 10] should be added: teach your teen courtesy of the road. Although I have lived in Colorado for over 40 years, I have driven in all 50 states. I have concluded that Colorado (and particularly Denver) drivers must be among the nation's most discourteous—repeatedly speeding up to cut off signaled lane changes; refusing to use the sensible tactic of alternating to avoid construction barriers and other obstacles; driving at maniacal speeds on rain- or ice-slicked roadways; exhibiting maddening impatience by flashing headlights and blasting on the horn; and speeding up when any intrepid pedestrian dares to cross in front of your vehicle, even in a marked crosswalk at a shopping center. When I lived in the Seattle area for several years, I was astounded by the unexpected but greatly appreciated courtesy of most drivers. When my wife and I experience unusually courteous driving in Colorado, we often say, “That driver must be from Washington state!” —Roger Hansen, Aurora New calendar I am so glad you have gone back to the format of listing events in the Colorado Calendar by date. I never liked trying to find events listed under the regional categories. When I plan a trip in Colorado , I look at the date of events and then plan accordingly. I enjoy the informative articles in EnCompass. — Shirley Blackburn , Colorado Springs Another geology trail to try The Mini Tour [Jan./Feb., page 20] failed to locate the School of Mines Geology Trail.
Your readers might enjoy the geologic offerings of the Friends of Dinosaur Ridge (FODR). The Triceratops Trail is located on the southeast corner of U.S. 6 and 19th Street, south of the School of Mines campus in Golden. FODR is a non-profit preservation and education organization. Their facility is located at 16831 W. Alameda Parkway in Morrison. Not only are there dinosaur tracks in Golden, but tracks and bones occur at two other levels of rock. This combination is unique in the western U.S. and helps to fire up interest in the geology of our area. —Harald Drewes, Lakewood Editor's Note: The School of Mines Geology Trail starts from the School of Mines museum and continues to the freshman parking lot, where there are dinosaur tracks, fossilized logs and other items of interest. The Triceratops Trail is a separate trail nearby, built and maintained by the Friends of Dinosaur Ridge, as the member above states. Transportation Survey
Recently, the AAA Association conducted a nationwide survey of members (including Colorado members). It examined public opinion on transportation issues. In an effort to get an even broader base of member feedback, AAA Colorado has repeated some of the survey's questions here and hopes you will take a moment to answer them. Send answers to: editor, EnCompass, 4100 E. Arkansas Ave., Denver, CO 80222, or go online to ww.aaa.com/safety. Look for the results in the May/June issue of EnCompasss.
Sweepstakes winner
In our Nov./Dec. sweepstakes, the winner of the Hotel Colorado vacation was Jeanette F. of Frisco. The winner of the YMCA of the Rockies vacation was Bruce W. of Fort Collins. Jan./Feb. winners will be notified in March and announced in the next issue. For privacy reasons we do not print the full names of winners. Back to Top
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