Random Thought of the Day

I have a new pet peeve - California's ridiculously prioritized fines for various parking and driving violations.

I noticed the other day that the fine for driving in the carpool lane has gone up. It's now over $400 where I live. I think that's a great idea for deterring single drivers from using the carpool lane. Those folks tick me off. But honestly, if I found out my neighbor had been driving alone in the carpool lane out of sheer frustration of sitting in traffic, I really wouldn't be too upset. Yes, it's a violation, and you're not supposed to do it, but as far as driving infractions go, it's not one that is really going to ever inspire me to be up in arms. I get annoyed when I see single drivers in the carpool lane, but it's something I can get over as quickly as they pass by. I can understand why they do it. We all hate traffic.

On the other hand, seeing an able-bodied person without a disabled placard or plate parking in a disabled space really annoys me. Whereas a carpool lane violator can share the lane with other legitimate users, a disabled parking spot only has room for one car. If someone is taking up that space who shouldn't be, it means that a disabled person who really needs it won't be able to park there. That makes me mad. Even before I became the chauffeur for a disabled person, I used to get angry to see able-bodied folks parking in those spots. Not that I need them to unload a wheelchair, it makes me even more angry. So what's the fine for abusing a disabled parking spot? $250. Yes, the fine is less than the fine for using the carpool lane without multiple passengers. Does that make sense to you? It sure doesn't make sense to me.

But the fine that has really gotten me upset lately is the fine for texting while driving. Do I think there should be a fine for texting while driving? Absolutely? Not paying attention while driving is a serious problem that can kill someone. So what is the fine in California for texting while driving? Is it more than the fine for inconveniencing a disabled person? Is it more than using the carpool lane to whiz by the other traffic? No. It's $117. One hundred and seventeen dollars! Now tell me, does this make any sense? The only crime that can readily result in death or injury has the lowest fine of these three violations.

Come on, California. Aren't we smarter than this???