Quote:
Originally Posted by midniteowl
I honestly believe prison is part punishment and part deterrent, may be some might think that if a driver is careless, he is careless no matter the prison sentence. But I would hope if the punishment is heavy enough, people might be a little more careful?
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I agree, but the problem with the prison system is that many people who enter it, come out with PTSD, depression, and other mental problems. It becomes very difficult to re-integrate them back into society and have them function to the best of their ability.
I hope the driver gets a long enough sentence that it sends a message of deterrence and punishes the crime. I hope the punishment is heavy enough to give the victims the most peace possible, although nothing would ever be enough. If I was one of the victims, I can't say that I would forgive him and not want the worst. I can't judge anyone affected if that is how they feel.
From a strictly pragmatic view, I hope he gets a long sentence, but that he can serve it in a minimal security facility with access to mental health treatment and occupational training so that when he gets out, he can hopefully do some good in society. There are some people that you want to throw out the key and don't want to care about even after their release. But there are some people who deserve an opportunity to repent and serve society in a positive way after.
It's true that this man was negligent and he needs to be held responsible for the horrific tragedy. But I also know the trucking industry has a culture of complacency and unfair expectations on their drivers. I am really curious to see how the trial against the company goes.