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NM Motor Vehicle Laws Fall Short
A New Years Wish
My wife Beth Giblin won't be with us this Christmas Day. We
cannot share a celebration with Beth and soak in her laughter
and joy ever again.
On February 21, Beth joined the over 40,000 men, women, and
children who were needlessly and senselessly killed on our U.S.
roads this year.
We were driving home after celebrating our daughter's birthday
when an oncoming vehicle instantly crossed over into our lane.
The resulting high-speed collision took Beth's life and changed
our lives and the world forever.
Beth was a wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and dedicated
Carlsbad High School Guidance Counselor and Assistant Principal.
Beth looked forward to spending many more years on earth loving
us and working in her mission field with young people. She had
a special affection for the disadvantaged youth who have circumstances
working against them. She once was one of those disadvantaged
youth.
There are no words that can effectively communicate the pain
that comes with this loss.
What I must share are some disturbing facts that increase
the pain and outrage that comes with this terrible and preventable
loss.
The New Mexico (NM) licensed vehicle and driver that hit us
were part of the many thousands with questionable legitimacy
to be on the road.
The NM vehicle that hit us was insured and registered in a
NM deceased person's name.
The NM 19 yr. old driver and the actual vehicle owner were
not listed on the vehicle's auto insurance policy. The insurance
certificate was issued and then accepted by the NM motor vehicle
department even though it listed a NM deceased person as the
only "insured."
It appears that once again someone intentionally took advantage
of the very weak NM State Laws and insurance industry systems
and practices. This is one way so many higher and very high-risk
NM drivers remain on the roads with the appearance of legal compliance
and legitimacy.
In NM the Higher Risk Driver is allowed to opt out of liability
insurance and full responsibility and accountability. They often
keep their license and have you who choose to buy liability insurance
pay their bills for them.
We share the roads with many thousands of these type people.
New Mexico allows it.
Unlike North Carolina (NC) and others, NM is a State that
does not require licensed drivers to:
1) Show and maintain proof of auto liability insurance in
the driver's name
2) Provide a valid Social Security Number and proof of full
legal residency
New Mexico does not insist that all of its legally licensed
drivers step up to the full measure of responsibility and accountability
that includes auto liability insurance.
New Mexico is a State where:
1) Powerful elected officials state that it is "unfair"
and then block the insurance requirement for obtaining a license
to operate the High-Speed and oft time Deadly Weapons that we
call cars.
We are unlike States like North Carolina where the leaders
exercised the political courage to change and require all NC
Drivers License applicants to show proof of liability insurance
in the applicant's name.
Because of their courage, North Carolina is one of the States
that really is saving many lives and many dollars. They force
all licensed drivers to take ownership in the potential injury
and liability that goes with this dangerous activity. They are
not simply pretending to be getting better while hiding behind
political rhetoric.
In this Republic "we the people" are the government
that governs us. We are responsible and required to use our elected
representatives to establish and repair laws; systems and processes
that help our society survive and advance.
If our government is failing, it is because we are failing.
You have a choice to make about this issue. If you believe
that the NM Drivers Licensing process is as good and safe as
possible, then continue to do nothing. If you believe that this
system can be and must be strengthened, then you are called to
exercise your response-ability.
My wish is that we all become concerned and responsible citizens
who get this fixed in 2006. I don't want you to go through the
pain that we have since losing Beth in this senseless and avoidable
tragedy.
My Beautiful Bride Beth so wanted to help make this world
a better place for everyone.
Please honor her memory and make a difference for good. Please
download and view Beth Slides and information at: http://briefcase.yahoo.com/johngibby3.
Please start, and don't stop calling and writing the Governor,
Legislature (www.state.nm.us) and all possible media outlets.
Please tell others to do the same.
Please e-mail me.
The lives you help save can easily include yours and all of
your loved ones.
Thank You
"Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread
it." George Bernard Shaw
John Giblin
Carlsbad, New Mexico
Johngibby3@yahoo.com
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