KQED's Forum

CalMatters Investigates Why Dangerous California Drivers Are Still Behind the Wheel

May 1, 2025

Robert Lewis, an investigative reporter for CalMatters, dives into his shocking findings on California's DMV policies that allow dangerous drivers to stay licensed. Leah Shahum, executive director of the Vision Zero Network, offers insights on the urgent need for road safety reforms. Together, they discuss the disturbing statistics: nearly 40% of drivers charged with vehicular manslaughter remain on the road. They highlight systemic flaws, tragic personal stories, and call for legislative changes to combat reckless driving and enhance safety for all.

57:40

Creator website

Episode guests

Leah Shahum

Robert Lewis

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Nearly 40% of drivers charged with vehicular manslaughter since 2019 retain their licenses, raising serious concerns about public safety.

The investigation highlighted alarming cases where repeat offenders, like Ivan Dimov, faced minimal consequences despite histories of reckless behavior.

Experts propose innovative solutions like Assembly Bill 981 to integrate technology in vehicles owned by repeat offenders, aiming to enhance road safety.

Deep dives

California's Dangerous Driver Statistics

In California, a concerning investigation has revealed that a significant percentage of drivers charged with fatal incidents retain valid licenses. This includes nearly 40% of those involved in vehicular manslaughter since 2019. Many of these individuals, despite having extensive records of reckless behavior, are able to drive legally again, often after minimal penalties. This trend raises critical questions about the state's approach to license revocation and public safety.

Intro

2min

Dangerous Drivers on the Road

9min

Unraveling the License to Kill: The DMV's Controversial Practices

4min

Confronting Traffic Violence in California

18min

The Hidden Dangers of California Roads: Addressing Repeat Offenders

4min

Reckless Roads: Addressing California's Traffic Crisis

13min

Advocating for Safer Roads and Global Economic Shifts

5min

Why do California drivers often get to keep a valid license, even after they kill someone on the road? A new CalMatters investigation studied tens of thousands of DMV driver reports and found that nearly 40 percent of the drivers charged with vehicular manslaughter since 2019 are able to drive on the road today. Nearly 400 of those drivers have caused other collisions since their first fatal crash. We’ll talk to the reporter behind the investigation and a road safety expert about the DMV protocols and state policies at play. And want to hear from you: When should someone lose their driver’s license?

Guests:

Robert Lewis, reporter, CalMatters; author, CalMatters investigation "License to Kill"

Leah Shahum, founder and executive director, Vision Zero Network; former executive director, San Francisco Bicycle Coalition

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KQED's Forum

CalMatters Investigates Why Dangerous California Drivers Are Still Behind the Wheel

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

California's Dangerous Driver Statistics

Case Studies Highlighting Regulatory Failures

Lack of Consequences for Repeat Offenders

The Need for Structural Change in Driving Laws

Public Call for Change and Awareness

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts