I am 17 years old and have been with the Orrington Volunteer Fire Department for four years and will soon be part of the ambulance squad. I also hold down a part-time job while attending high school. I disagree with the new law being proposed that after new drivers get their licenses no other teens can ride with them for three months.

I have my driver’s permit and I don’t understand why and how you can punish new teen drivers by not allowing them to have friends ride with them because a few teens don’t respect their driver’s license. From being on the fire department, I have seen many accidents and know how bad people can get hurt. A lot of teens get in accidents, but a lot more don’t, and I don’t think you should make a law not allowing me to have my friends ride with me. I feel that if their parents don’t feel safe having them ride with friends that’s fine, but don’t punish me. Michael Stewart Orrington