Sandman Sounds Off: Scooter Operators Need to Be Licensed and Insured in Vanderburgh County!

There is something that I am passionate about and I am hoping this blog will not only incite some discussion but create of call to action in the matter.

One thing I would like to change about Evansville (and anyone that listens to my show knows this as I have referenced this many times) is to enact a local ordinance that requires scooter operators to be licensed and insured. If they are able to share the road, and travel the same speed as automobiles, they also need to be as responsible as an automobile owner and have insurance and a license.

Requiring scooter operators to hold a license and insurance would make them more accountable and protect others on the road. As many of you know, there have been several scooter/car accidents lately in town. In several of those, the scooter has been at fault leaving the owner of the car responsiblele for taking care of the damage to the car themselves.

Scooter operators also need to obey the rules of the road, just like any motorized vehicle must. This means: they can't drive between stopped lanes of traffic; cut through parking lots and the must obey all traffic signals.

I know there are people who can't afford another mode of transportation and this blog isn't necessarily referring to this group. It's the people who have put themselves in a position through multiple DUIs or being a habitual traffic offenders that has left them with the only option of riding a scooter. These seem to be the people who are most likely operate irresponsibly. I know many police officers in the area and the ones I've talked to have said the same thing.

What do you think? Should this ordinance be passed? Should scooter operators be required to get a license and insurance? Let me know if you agree!