The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is under fire for allowing drivers with dangerous histories to continue operating vehicles, often leading to fatal accidents. A recent investigation by CalMatters reveals troubling patterns in how the DMV handles drivers with records of reckless behavior, including multiple DUIs and vehicular manslaughter convictions.
One such case involves Ivan Dimov, who had six DUIs in California and a reckless driving conviction in Washington before the DMV reissued his license in 2017. On Christmas Eve 2018, Dimov drove drunk in Sacramento, running stop signs and a traffic light at over 80 mph, ultimately causing a collision that killed a 28-year-old man. Despite his record, Dimov was allowed back on the road.
The investigation found that nearly 40% of drivers charged with vehicular manslaughter since 2019 still hold valid licenses. This includes individuals with multiple convictions for fatal crashes. The DMV has issued licenses to nearly 150 people less than a year after they allegedly caused a fatal accident…