PAYING BEFORE YOU PUMP NOTHING MORE THAN A SLIGHT INCONVENIENCE

OSOYOOS TIMES-January 30, 2008

It's about time legislation is being introduced to offer some protection to service station attendants.

As of Feb. 1 drivers will have to prepay before they pump their gas, a measure that will hopefully deter thieves from trying to steal fuel.

With so many service stations staying open all night, often on stretches of road that are remote and isolated, filling up and driving off without paying seems like an easy thing to get away with.

But in many cases the people operating the service station have to make up for any gas that goes missing from their own pocket.

That obligation might be just enough to make someone attempt to stop a thief.

One such attempt cost a young Maple Ridge man his life in March 2005.

Over $12.30 in stolen gas.

The people who complain that having to pay before you pump is an inconvenience should remember it's just that: an inconvenience. And a pretty minor one at that.

If it gives station attendants a little extra security we should all help out.

Yes, it's too bad that the vast majority of drivers who do pay for their gas are being put out a little because of a handful of petty thieves.

But isn't that usually the case behind most of the laws that get passed in this country?rnMost of us are responsible enough to not drink and drive, yet there are still random police checks for impaired drivers.

It might be an inconvenience when you're trying to get home, but it might save a life.

This little inconvenience might save a life too.