Sympathy for Some, Scorn for Janklow

Re “Life of Pain for Drivers Who Kill Pedestrians,” Commentary, July 15: I have often wondered how I’d feel if my car killed someone accidentally.

I imagine Maryann Gray is right; it’s got to hurt. I wish her, and other innocent drivers, the best in dealing with it. However, I hope former South Dakota Rep. William Janklow sees the face of his victim, Randy Scott, every day.

Janklow’s horrible driving record isn’t because he just can’t handle a car; it’s because he thought that reckless driving was cute and perhaps lent him personality. Adding insult to injury, Janklow was sentenced to 100 days in jail. It’s not enough.

Rick Wiggins

Pasadena

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I read Gray’s story with painful sadness. On April 30, 1995, I was stuck as a pedestrian on a Los Angeles street. The SUV going downhill lost control going on a wet stretch of road. When I opened my eyes I could feel nothing. I didn’t know if I was going to live or die. People helping me told me the driver was standing next to me.

If I died I wanted him to know I believed it was, pure and simple, an accident. Today, after many surgeries, I live in chronic pain yet live a wonderful, full life. I still hope the driver isn’t haunted.

David Morse

Santa Monica