Cracking Down on Reckless Driving: Washington D.C.’s Tough New Approach
The nation’s capital, Washington D.C., has long grappled with the issue of reckless driving and unpaid traffic violations, particularly among out-of-state drivers who have historically evaded accountability. In an effort to address this growing problem, the District has introduced a stringent new law known as the Steer Act, which empowers prosecutors to take legal action against drivers who accumulate unpaid traffic fines. This measure comes as part of a broader crackdown on reckless driving, a behavior that has plagued the city’s streets and put pedestrians and other road users at risk.
The Steer Act: A New Era of Accountability
Under the Steer Act, out-of-state drivers who rack up traffic fines in Washington D.C. are no longer able to ignore them without consequences. Previously, drivers from neighboring states like Maryland and Virginia could accumulate multiple tickets without facing penalties in their home states, as there was no reciprocity agreement in place to enforce these fines. However, the new law changes the game by allowing D.C. prosecutors to pursue legal action, including seizing property, garnishing wages, and filing lawsuits to recover unpaid fines. D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb has wasted no time in enforcing this law, recently filing lawsuits against three Maryland drivers who collectively owe over $93,000 in unpaid traffic fines.
Scofflaws in the Spotlight: The Cases of Andre Bowman, Earl Curtis, and Leon Carter
Among the drivers targeted under the Steer Act, Maryland resident Andre Bowman stands out as the most egregious offender, with a staggering 135 unpaid traffic tickets totaling over $36,000. Bowman is joined by Earl Curtis, who owes more than $27,000 for 115 infractions, and Leon Carter, who has racked up 84 tickets amounting to over $30,000. These cases highlight the scale of the problem and the need for stronger enforcement measures to hold such drivers accountable. Attorney General Schwalb has made it clear that his office will not tolerate this kind of disregard for the law, stating, "We’re going to go after these scofflaws by holding them accountable."
The Human Cost of Reckless Driving: A Child’s Trauma and a Mother’s Outrage
The consequences of reckless driving extend far beyond fines and lawsuits, as one heart-wrenching case illustrates. Earl Curtis, one of the drivers sued under the Steer Act, was involved in a devastating incident in September when he struck a child named Paisley Brodie while driving recklessly in Northeast D.C. Paisley suffered a broken foot and spent time recovering at Children’s National Hospital. Her mother, Diendre Allen, expressed outrage over the fact that Curtis was allowed to continue driving despite his history of violations and a recent conviction for reckless driving. "He was on probation when he hit Paisley," Allen said. "Like, why would they allow him to still have his license? Like, he is just out here driving recklessly." Curtis’s case underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement and accountability to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Lack of Reciprocity: A Challenge for D.C. Authorities
One of the key challenges in addressing unpaid traffic fines has been the lack of reciprocity between Washington D.C. and its neighboring states, Maryland and Virginia. Drivers from these states have long been able to accumulate traffic violations in the District without facing consequences in their home states. In 2021, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser attempted to negotiate an agreement with the governors of Maryland and Virginia to address this issue, offering to have their drivers pay outstanding fines or face license suspensions. However, both governors rejected her proposal, leaving D.C. authorities with limited options for enforcing compliance. D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen, who chairs the District’s Committee on Transportation, expressed his frustration over the lack of cooperation, stating, "I was frankly sick and tired of the fact that we have no reciprocity with Virginia and Maryland."
Taking Charge: D.C.’s Proactive Approach to Traffic Safety
With the Steer Act now in place, Washington D.C. is taking a proactive approach to traffic safety and enforcement. Attorney General Schwalb has made it clear that his office will aggressively pursue those who ignore traffic laws, not only to recover unpaid fines but also to deter reckless behavior that endangers the lives of others. The lawsuits filed against Bowman, Curtis, and Carter are just the beginning of what promises to be a concerted effort to hold scofflaws accountable and make D.C. roads safer for everyone. As Schwalb emphasized, "Traffic violence and the fear it puts into people walking to school, walking to the store in every single neighborhood in our city is immense." By taking bold action, D.C. is sending a clear message that reckless driving will no longer be tolerated.
