AAA is fighting DC’s attempt to end contributory negligence

[JorgeGortex]

Here is my email to Mr. Townsend:

Mr. Townsend,

I have been a member of AAA since I first became a driver at 16 years old. Now at 46 I’ve counted on AAA’s services and advocacy for safety on our roads throughout, and am now appalled at the stance being taken against the Motor Vehicle Recover Act. You see, not only am I a driver, but also an avid cyclist, and proponent of walkable communities. Since the 1950’s the emphasis in our country has been the automobile, but as times and priorities change, so must our perspectives. In an age when too many people are more concerned about only what is important to them, our roads have become more dangerous. The most vulnerable individuals: pedestrians and cyclists, are treated like cones on a slalom course instead of the human beings they are. Accidents and the resulting Injuries to both are becoming more frequent, and those injuries cannot and should not be brushed aside by our police, governments, or the AAA.

When a pedestrian or cyclists is involved in an accident with a distracted driver or one in a hurry, they are dealing not with another person, but with thousands of pounds of medal and kinetic energy. The person is going to lose every time, and the time they lose is significant. They lose time to recovery to mend broken bones, disabilities, their jobs, their children, our maybe their life entirely. There will always be accidents, but drivers, with the large responsibility they have using a motor vehicle need to he held accountable. Injured pedestrians and cyclists deserve remuneration and support equal too (at the very least) that of a driver who is involved in an accident. A raise in my insurance rates doesn’t even compare to the years of suffering a pedestrian or cyclist contends with in an accident with a motor vehicle. To compare the two is absurd.

I strongly urge you to support the measures being proposed instead of opposing them. Our society and how we live is changing and adapting, and its high time the leadership at the AAA does as well. It is in the best interest of our society, people… your and my children.

Sincerely,

[lordofthemark]

The bill to change this (in DC) passed its second vote, and now goes to the Mayor’s desk.

[jrenaut]

@lordofthemark 146241 wrote:

The bill to change this (in DC) passed its second vote, and now goes to the Mayor’s desk.

Take that, AAA

[KLizotte]

AAA is so far behind the times, esp in a place like DC where 40%(!) of residents don’t own cars. Couple that with the aging population (thus more people walking with impairments and in need of other people driving them) and the millennials embrace of walkable communities and the sharing economy and you have to wonder if AAA is simply trying to prop up their empire.

All of my fingers and toes are crossed that this measure passes.

[Steve O]

@KLizotte 146243 wrote:

AAA is so far behind the times, esp in a place like DC where 40%(!) of residents don’t own cars. Couple that with the aging population (thus more people walking with impairments and in need of other people driving them) and the millennials embrace of walkable communities and the sharing economy and you have to wonder if AAA is simply trying to prop up their empire.

All of my fingers and toes are crossed that this measure passes.

Yes. And when it does, there will be more pressure on MD and VA to do so, too. Let’s hope.

[lordofthemark]

@Steve O 146247 wrote:

Yes. And when it does, there will be more pressure on MD and VA to do so, too. Let’s hope.

Eventually. At the last BPAC meeting, someone said VBF cannot even find a legislator willing to defy the insurance lobby and introduce a bill for comparative negligence in Richmond. VBF will be looking at lower hanging fruit next session.

[bobco85]

@lordofthemark 146250 wrote:

Eventually. At the last BPAC meeting, someone said VBF cannot even find a legislator willing to defy the insurance lobby and introduce a bill for comparative negligence in Richmond. VBF will be looking at lower hanging fruit next session.

I remember it was mentioned at the meeting that they might pursue a “due care” law as a step towards contributory negligence reform.

[Author]

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