Volusia County

Volusia County Council Moves Forward on 'Stupid Motorist' Law

Posted

DELAND, Fla. - A common complaint during hurricane season may soon come with stiff penalties, if a majority of the Volusia County Council makes it so. The Council is moving forward toward passing a proclaimed 'Stupid Motorist' law, which would fine drivers for their rescue if they become stranded beyond barricades during states of emergency.

The measure would address motorists who circumvent safety measures to attempt to drive through hazardous roadways, sometimes becoming marooned in the process. Those who support the law are hoping it would act as a deterrent to these risk-takers, particularly in the immediate aftermath of a hurricane when emeregncy resources are stretched thin.

If passed, the law would only be effective during declared states of emergency, and could potentially also carry a second-degree misdemeanor according to county officials.

Those opposed, like Councilman Troy Kent, contested that the inherent inconvenience of becoming stranded was punishment enough. Meanwhile, Councilman Danny Robins expressed his support, saying the law could help keep law enforcement from being dedicated toward something preventable in the midst of a true crisis.

County Councilman Danny Robins is optimistic about the potential effects of the ordinance.
County Councilman Danny Robins is optimistic about the potential effects of the ordinance.

For Councilman Robins, his support for the measure stems from his career in the Daytona Beach Police Department. "From my law enforcement background," he said, "there's nothing worse than if you have a major incident or a state of emergency, and you have to go address some knucklehead that's goofing off where they shouldn't be."

With four of seven members having voted to advance the measure, Robins feels confident that an informed decision will be reached. "We have seven members on our Council, all free thinkers, all smart people," he said. "We really just have to collectively see if this is something that fits the bill in Volusia, how it can be implemented, and how it can be enforced."