Wednesday, July 9, 2003

I have already written to my local government concerning the ruling and informed them that their action or non-reaction will be a deciding factor next election.

I believe that 15-year-olds that have studied and taken a test to earn their drivers permits have proven that they are serious about driving.

The ruling stems from an adult with a suspended license trying to duck a conviction and a shortsighted court trying to stick it to the adult. The 15-year-olds suffer the consequences.

The ruling that golf carts and farm tractors are "motor vehicles" should have some stipulations. If a golf cart is treated exactly as a car, then should a riding lawn mower be treated as a farm tractor? Will police officers now patrol golf courses checking on the drivers for drinking and driving? I wonder how many judges play golf and have had a "cold one" while playing.

Let's use a little common sense and not punish our teenagers for the actions of adults. My 15-year-old has been driving our golf cart and has shown responsibility in using this freedom. The practice gained before taking to the streets in a car has helped greatly.

If a teen has to be 16 years of age before driving alone, why would they choose a golf cart over a car? My son was not in that big of a rush to get into a car because he had transportation with the golf cart.

The ruling pushes kids into getting their license as early as possible so they do not have to ask mom and dad for a lift. Let's take another look at this ruling. A golf cart is a "motor vehicle," but it is not a car.

Mike Reno

rmreno@attbi.com