Tragedies are an inevitable part of life that most people will encounter, even if the tragedy didn’t affect them directly. There is often little we can do to prevent devastating tragedies from occurring, the only thing we can do is pray that we see as few as possible in our lifetime. On Saturday, November 21 2009, the University of Tampa faced a tragedy that affected hundreds of students. Erik Nicoletti, a University of Tampa junior, was struck by a vehicle and killed on an early Saturday morning, a morning that will never be forgotten. The only thing worse than a preventable tragedy is seeing the person responsible not getting the proper punishment they deserve.
The Florida Senate’s bill, 0210: Relating to Leaving the Scene/Crash/Death or Personal Injuries [CPSC], discusses the penalties and actions that must take place if an incident, such as the one that happened to Nicoletti, ever occurs. Under this bill, a driver who is convicted of fleeing the scene of a crime that results in a death will face up to 10 years in prison. Call me crazy but a 10 year sentence doesn’t seem justifiable given the horrid nature of the crime. If a person takes a life while driving and continues to drive away as their victim lies on the pavement bloody and hopeless, they should face a much longer sentence.
Legislation needs to reconsider the improper sentencing that goes with this tragic crime. 10 years doesn’t compensate for a life that will never be seen again. 10 years won’t take away the agony that the families of these victims face day-to-day knowing that their loved ones will never return. 10 years is a pathetic sentence for a crime that has the potential to affect hundreds if not thousands of lives.
It will be disappointing if this bill is passed, and the sentence time isn’t increased for those who flee the scene of a crime that results in a lost life. Legislation needs to realize the number of life’s that are affected by a single death and come up with a more realistic punishment for these offenders. Perhaps they would see things differently if they all had the chance to sit down with a family member or close friend of an innocent victim like Nicoletti, then maybe they will see the pain inflicted and come up with a better punishment.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
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