Bob and Mary Beth Blackmon were correct in their letter ("High-speed chase won't end well," Dec. 16) that police agencies need to review their policies on chases. Their suggestion that, with today's technology, such a tragedy shouldn't have occurred is spot on.
Such technology exists that isn't being utilized. RID (Remove Intoxicated Drivers) has been advocating a technical solution to thwart these police chases by inserting a computer chip that would allow a police officer to stop a car from speeding or other criminal activity by pressing a button on a wand while pointing it at the vehicle.
If this technology were required by law, police could stop those who steal cars, kidnap children or drive drunk.
Why can't this technology be mandated just like car insurance, seat belts, air bags and car seats for children?
The arguments against electronic car stops invoke the public's seeming fear of police power. They fear the police having the ability to stop their cars more then they fear drunken drivers. Police fear criminals can copy any device that can stop cars and would use it for criminal activity.
These are powerful arguments. However, we live in a technical age and should use our knowledge to enhance the safety of the roads we all share in a society.
DORIS AIKEN
President
Remove Intoxicated Drivers
Schenectady