After a driver with a suspended license caused an accident in Gorham this week that sent two people to the hospital, Police Chief Ron Shepard called for stiffer penalties as a deterrent for driving without a license.

“I think we need tougher sentences,” Shepard said.

Undeterred, some with license suspensions continue to get behind a driver’s wheel. “It’s like a revolving door,” Shepard said, recommending more jail time to keep offenders off the roads.

Shepard joins others in the state who have called for stiffer penalties for those caught driving with suspended licenses in the wake of an accident that claimed the life of a Scarborough woman this summer.

Scott Hewitt, a trucker with a history of more than 60 traffic convictions and more than 20 license suspensions, was driving with a suspended license when he caused a July 29 crash on Interstate 95 that killed Tina Turcotte, 40, of Scarborough, according to State Police and prosecutors.

Police said Roderick Burton, 45, of Portland was heading west on Route 25 in a 1994 Chevy Blazer. Sgt. Mike Nault said Burton failed to yield the right of way while turning left into Domino’s Pizza at 621 Main St. Nault said Burton collided at about 8:15 a.m. with Annette Lawrence, 53, of Gorham, who was driving eastbound in a 2002 Chevy Cavalier.

The Gorham Fire Department had to cut Lawerence’s car to free her from it, and Gorham rescue took both drivers, who were alone in their cars, to Maine Medical Center in Portland with unknown injuries.

Nault summonsed Burton in the hospital. Police said Burton was charged with operating after suspension, failure to provide evidence of insurance, improper plates and failing to yield.

Shepard said Burton has “a lengthy history” of motor vehicle violations. He said something needs to be done to keep those with suspended licenses from driving, most of whom have lost driving privileges for serious reasons.

“These people aren’t under suspension because they went through a red light,” Shepard said.

Shepard said some, who drive despite the suspension of their licenses, have a “so what” attitude. “‘I’ll drive. If you catch me, you catch me,'” Shepard said one offender told Gorham police.

Rep. Chris Barstow, D-Gorham, said Sen. Bill Diamond, D-Windham, is introducing emergency legislation aimed at cracking down on those who drive after their licenses have been suspended. Barstow said the legislation would increase punishments for people who repeatedly drive with suspended licenses, including raising fines, extending suspensions and increasing jail time.

Barstow also said Gov. John Baldacci has a task force “working hard,” seeking measures to keep those with suspended licenses from driving. “There’s a lot of work to be done to make sure our roads are safe,” Barstow said. “It’s only a few bad eggs that make Maine roads dangerous.”

In the Gorham accident this week, Nault said both vehicles sustained extensive damage, and the Cavalier was totaled. The collision closed both travel lanes of Route 25 for about an hour during morning rush hour traffic.

(accident) – Gorham Police Chief Ron Shepard, on the right, and Fire Chief Robert Lefebvre view an accident scene on Monday on Route 25.Gorham Police Chief Ron Shepard, on the right, and Fire Chief Robert Lefebvre view an accident scene on Monday on Route 25.

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