Don't change the age for getting a learner's permit

Don't change the age for getting a learner's permit
EDITOR:
I am a 15-year-old freshman at Jackson-Milton High School. I am writing to you today because I am concerned about the legal age of driving being raised. I believe that the age of 151/2 is a reasonable age to get your permit as the law stands now. I agree that not everyone is ready to drive at this age. Everyone develops at a different pace. Parents should be more involved because they know if their child is mentally and physically ready to test for their permit. .
In 1953, my grandmother went to the license bureau, tested for her permit and less than two days later got her driver's license. My question is, how could that have been considered safe? But today there is a 6-month waiting period from the time you pass your permit test until the date that you can take your driver's exam. Also, many hours of driving with a parent is needed and they must sign a notarized statement saying that you have done this. You also need to attend driver's training and drive with a certified instructor.
If there is any question that the students are not prepared, I think there may be a problem with the driver's test itself. Maybe the test needs to be over a few days period to let the officer spend more time with the student driver to make sure they understand the laws and practical side of driving. I do think that teenagers are distracted easily and that there should be restrictions on the number of people allowed in the car at one time. This would decrease the chances of an accident but still allow the student to gain more experience.
Leave the legal age as it is, but make the exam more intense and keep the number of passengers to a minimum.
JASON DOPIRAK
Diamond
Ban smoke from restaurants
EDITOR:
I have a little sister named Taylor and a mom, Debbie, who have asthma. We just can't go to restaurants unless it is nonsmoking. I think they should ban people from smoking in restaurants. It is not fair for them to smoke in a restaurant because what if someone has really bad asthma, then they would not be able to eat there.
When people are eating I am sure they don't want to smell smoke either. I can't stand the smell of smoke. Anyone should be able to go out to eat anywhere without worrying about the smell of smoke.
Little children smelling and breathing smoke is not healthy for them either. When people smoke around you, then you also smell like smoke. Smoke will also leave your teeth yellow.
Secondhand smoke is just as bad if not worse than you smoking. Smoking is a bad habit and is not healthy or cool to do.
COURTNEY KUTSCH
Hubbard
A gentleman and an officer
EDITOR:
Since the praises of public servants are few and far between these days, we thought we would take a few minutes to call attention to an exemplary employee of Mill Creek Metro Parks. Chief Nathaniel Pinkard should be very proud to have Officer Wilbert Drayton as a member of his police force.
We feel very privileged to have such a beautiful park in our city and proudly support it since we use it on a daily basis. Additionally, we feel that we are very lucky to have an officer like Wilbert Drayton patrolling our park. Officer Drayton is one of the few patrol officers that will actually stop and ask: "How are you folks today? Is everything OK? Can I help you with anything?" He is the epitome of a true police officer. He protects as well as serves the public.
We look forward to seeing him on our walks. And, Officer Wilbert Drayton, we thank you for being a gentleman as well as an officer.
JIM and CHRIS CERIMELE
Youngstown