Experts weigh ‘worst’ drivers list

AUGUSTA – A panel looking at ways to curb the dangers of drivers with suspended licenses is proposing to create a list of the 100 “worst-of-the-worst” Maine motorists to help police catch people driving illegally.

The panel, made up of the secretary of state and the heads of the Maine State Police and Department of Transportation, will also likely propose strengthening state laws for repeat motor-vehicle offenders and examining ways to take away or immobilize their vehicles.

A final draft of the recommendations will be presented to Gov. John Baldacci on Monday with work on specific proposals to continue through the next legislative session, said Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap.

The group was formed after a tractor-trailer driven by Caribou truck driver Scott Hewitt crashed into a car driven by Tina Turcotte of Scarborough on Interstate 95 in July. Turcotte, 40, later died, and it was discovered that Hewitt had a suspended license and a record that included 63 driving convictions and 23 license suspensions.

The July 29 crash is still under investigation, but Hewitt is in jail on other charges, including violating his bail by driving on Aug. 6, knowing his license had been suspended.

At a meeting on Thursday, the panel heard discussion about the lack of information local police have about problem drivers in their communities.

Cumberland County Sheriff Mark Dion said the secretary of state’s office provides accurate information about individual driving records, but has a hard time producing lists of repeat violators.

Police agencies, he said, could use that kind of information to go after the worst offenders in their communities.

Dunlap said the state’s computer system is not designed for that type of research.

But a first step would be the “worst-of-the-worst” list, which could be collected as soon as next month and could be updated periodically, he said.