Driving is a privilege, let’s follow the rules

Published 9:00 pm Sunday, August 25, 2002

In response to the August 22 letter written by Theresa Ochiltree (“Seat belt law: It’s a violation of our civil rights”), I do not believe that she understands the issue.

Driving is not a right – it is a privilege. To exercise this privilege we must obey the rules, such as speed limit, stop signs, etc. One of these rules requires the wearing of seat belts.

We do not have to drive. If we choose to exercise this privilege, we must also comply with the rules associated with this privilege. Rights, civil or otherwise, have nothing to do with the exercise of this privilege. We still have the right to not obey the law, and we also have the right to pay the fines associated with this choice, including the loss of the driving privilege altogether.

Edmonds