If a quarter of a million unlicensed drivers are behind the wheel just in Colorado, you have to wonder how many there are where you live.
The Denver Post said unlicensed drivers were involved in one-fourth of the state’s fatal crashes last year. Nationwide, studies have shown that about one in five fatal crashes involves improperly licensed drivers.
Some states impound cars, or at least take away license tags, if drivers lose their privileges.
The Colorado state auditor examined state efforts to keep problematic drivers off the roads [PDF]:
“Studies indicate that about 75 percent of problem drivers continue to drive regardless of the sanctions imposed, which include administrative action to remove their privilege to drive and criminal penalties such as fines and incarceration.”
Another study said one in 25 9th through 11th graders have driven without a license.
In San Francisco, police are actually going easier on unlicensed drivers these days.
