I am writing in response to the letter “Older Drivers” by Angelina Boisvert of Lewiston. (July 23)

The severe accident in California due to an older driver was unfortunate. But it is not an isolated case because of age-related impairment. Teenager and young adults are more at risk because of inexperience, but that is beside the point.

I am not being disrespectful to my elders, but older people have hearing and sight problems and slower reaction times.

I was quite insulted by the comment: “The young generation today is using drugs and alcohol together, and I would like to know if this is sensible to drive any vehicle.” All generations have done that, but the majority of all generations do not use any chemicals while operating vehicles. The minority that does is heard about because they make the news. Most people, young and old, are never in this trouble because they make good decisions.

Ms. Boisvert’s reference to voting has nothing to do with driving at all. She’s saying that older drivers should not have more restrictions because they can vote. Wrong. Many of my peers would vote if their age and the law allowed. Because they want to put restrictions in place means you can’t work? Restrictions have nothing to do with the right to vote. They are imposed as matters of public safety. Almost all high school-aged kids have jobs. They work too. In closing, should older drivers have more rights because they can vote? No way.

Stephanie E. DeFilipp, Auburn

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