In response to Richard Smith’s letter (Aug. 1), “Targeting older drivers,” I fully agree with what he wrote — that Secretary of State Charlie Summers does not know what he’s talking about.
I am 72 years old, or should I say, 72 years young, but either way I don’t see why I should be discriminated against because I’m past 65 years old. I just received another safe-driver discount from my auto insurance company for being a good driver.
I travel up and down Falls Hill in Rumford daily at the posted speed limit of 35 mph. I am constantly being passed traveling up the hill by people who are younger than I am.
Also, as a young person, I was taught to make sure I looked both ways before I crossed a street so I wouldn’t get hit by a car. I was taught how to cross a street safely. Today, that’s not the way it is. Many people are jaywalking (not crossing in a crosswalk).
I was driving down Congress Street in Rumford recently and a young woman was jaywalking from the opposite side of the street. She called me a profane name for not stopping for her. I have no problem stopping for someone who is handicapped in the middle of the road and not in a crosswalk.
I hope the politicians in Augusta do not go along with any stupid regulations like the ones that discriminate against elderly drivers.
Arthur Boivin, Rumford
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