Tragedy Shows Need for Better Safety Regulations

The tragedy of Sept. 20, where lives were lost because of a hit-and-run driver, is of great concern to our community. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families.

The suspect has been identified in name only and it has been reported that he has fled to Mexico (“Suspect Named in 8-Death Crash,” Sept. 24). Somehow, it seems that if we can seek justice and avoid a repeat of this tragedy--if we can learn something from this horror--maybe the community will be better. One wonders if the suspect was drunk, did he have insurance as required by law to assist the injured parties, was he here legally and did the suspect possess a valid California driver’s license?

I am, rightly or wrongly, assuming that the suspect was in Orange County illegally because when a person comes to America illegally and begins their experience in America as a lawbreaker, their first response is to flee the situation that will hold them accountable.

The community must then absorb the costs for such an accident. These poor families have been devastated. Who will pay for their medical care? Who will pay to support those left behind? The community will pay and the community--in case you haven’t noticed--is crumbling beneath the crush of too few supporting too many.

Of course, statements like mine are always branded racist by those not willing to acknowledge that we have a real problem and not creative enough to come up with (a rebuttal). It has nothing to do with racism; it has everything to do with abiding by laws. I wonder where the protesters are now who were so eager to censure the Border Patrol who, in their pursuit of fleeing illegal aliens, were involved in a tragic accident that took the lives of innocent victims?

As our population becomes denser and more diverse, we have even more need for implementation of our laws or we will simply fall apart as a culture and as a nation. I am amazed at the way those of us who are able sit by and watch the deterioration of our laws and our country. It’s time to do something.

HAROLD W. EZELL, Newport Beach