Letter on speeding makes scapegoat of teens

Wednesday, April 6, 2005

This rebuttal in response to Louis B. Turner of Skowhegan, who wrote "Raise driving age, speeding fines" on March 11.

I'm sure Turner's wisdom is beyond his years, and he feels compelled to save the world from these reckless and careless teenage drivers. But while standing on his soap box, Turner has forgotten one very important factor: By making the legal driving age 18, as he suggested, we would be making it impossible for teens to get to school, work, practice, meetings and errands. I am sure that by the way he preaches, he has much time on his hands and would be more than willing to drive us teenagers to work, practice and other activities.

Now, I know he's thinking that when he was our age, he walked. But if all teenagers started walking to their destinations, he would be writing about how teenagers spend too much time on the streets and are flooding the sidewalks, making it impossible for him to take his daily stroll with Fluffy.

I would think that having raised six children, Turner would have more patience. I have no children, yet I seem to have more patience than he. As much as it distresses me to sit through a green light while "Mr. Magoo" in front of me tries to readjust his hearing aid or has fallen asleep, I do not write to protest these ongoing events.

I realize that speeding is an issue, but pinning it on teenagers is an easy scapegoat. I highly suggest Turner take up a better and more positive hobby rather than targeting teenagers for their driving habits. Toodles.

Sarah M. Bigelow

Skowhegan