Atlanta Council Member Calls for Stricter Penalties as Colleague Suffers Severe Injuries from Reckless Driver
An Atlanta City Council member is advocating for tougher penalties for drivers who engage in super speeding, following a harrowing incident involving her colleague. Council member Erica Pines was severely injured when a driver, suspected of racing on the interstate, collided with her vehicle. Pines believes that stricter penalties are necessary to deter such dangerous behavior on the roads.
The incident occurred in July when Pines merged onto I-285 S from I-75 S. Witnesses reported that the driver who hit Pines was racing with another motorist. The collision caused Pines’ car to spin out four times and crash into a wall. With the severity of her injuries, she was rushed to the hospital.
Pines, who was on her way to meet her 19-year-old cousin for whom she serves as a caregiver, expressed her immediate concern for her loved ones. All I could think about was her, because I’m one of her caregivers. And I said, ‘I can’t die right now.’ That’s all it was. ‘I can’t die right now because I have an obligation to my community. I have an obligation to my family, and I have an obligation to those who love me,’ she stated.
The driver of the other vehicle walked away unscathed, while Pines suffered multiple injuries. These included a facial fracture, bruises, cuts, and a pilon fracture in her leg, which was so severe that doctors initially considered the possibility of amputation. While her wounds have healed, Pines still cannot put any weight on her leg. Doctors predict that even when she does regain mobility, she will only recover about 50% of her previous capabilities.
The driver responsible for the collision was issued citations for reckless driving and improper lane change. However, Pines has discovered that this was not the driver’s first citation for reckless driving, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the current penalties. She worries that without stricter consequences, he may continue to engage in dangerous driving behaviors.
Atlanta City Council member Keisha Waites shares Pines’ concerns and has introduced a proposal to encourage the state legislature to enact harsher penalties for violations such as drag or street racing, reckless driving, and exceeding unsafe speed limits of over 100 mph. Under the proposal, the first offense would result in a five-year driver’s license suspension, followed by a ten-year suspension for the second offense, and a lifetime license revocation for the third offense.
Waites believes that such penalties are necessary to prioritize public safety and send a strong message that reckless driving will not be tolerated in Atlanta. However, State Representative Stacey Evans acknowledges the need for stronger penalties but contends that the proposed five-year suspension for a first offense may face challenges when it comes to legislative approval.
Evans asserts that finding viable solutions to address the issue of reckless and super speeding drivers remains a priority. While the exact penalties outlined in Waites’ proposal may be subject to modification, Evans intends to advocate for stricter consequences to promote safer roads for all.
The incident involving Council member Erica Pines highlights the alarming consequences of reckless driving and the need for stricter penalties to discourage such behaviors. As Atlanta considers measures to enhance road safety, finding the right balance between effective deterrence and legislative feasibility will be crucial in protecting lives and preventing future tragedies.
