We all remember the new law passed several months ago declaring that all Maine drivers and their passengers shall wear seat belts. The new law does not state any exclusions for personal choices, handicapped drivers, medical deferments for people with back or other problems, etc.

If I am correct, Maine passed a law two years ago requiring children to either be buckled up or in a car seat, depending on age or weight. This was not a bad electorate decision from registered voters. I do have a problem with this new restriction on my freedom to ride in my own vehicle the way I choose.

I believe in any form of protecting the most important resource we have as Americans, our young people. I have a wonderful 11-year-old daughter of my own. She’s the reason for this letter. She informed me today that when she rides the bus to her school here in Bangor, some of the buses are equipped with seat belts, but they are the exception. A law inducted originally to protect our youth, later modified to include responsible adults, who now have no choice, should pertain to our children riding Cyr transportation provided through townships via the taxpayers.

Safety should be first. We need to provide this to our young people who don’t get to voice their opinions. By upgrading those transports, regardless of cost to the operations of the bus line, our children will ride with seat belt protection, reaffirming to them the need of seat belts and the responsibility of following the rules. After all, “It’s the law!” Ross J. Mavor Bangor