Raise driving age to at least 18 years

Why teens should not be allowed to drive until 18 years of age:

On March 25, there was a terrible accident in Granite Falls on the Mountain Loop Highway and Canyon Drive. Keep in mind it has double yellow lines (no passing), and a speed limit of 35 mph, which is posted quite often.

This accident involved my thoughtful and caring daughter-in-law, and my two beautiful, intelligent and talented granddaughters.

We are not sure about what effects they will have in the future due to concussions and whiplash.

The impact on their small compact car, hit by an 18-year-old, was at an enormous amount of speed. The compact traveled far after the impact. Had my daughter-in-law not had the insight to hit her brakes, her car would have hit an oncoming school bus.

These passengers are all traumatized and afraid to ride in a vehicle now. As for myself, I am over-stressed and have had my share since later November when I had to travel to Alaska to be with my son who has cancer at age 46. I have to worry about losing him — however, if I do lose him, at least I will know why. There is no reason why for this accident.

I am a 73-year-old mother of seven children; I have already lost one son, in 2004. I have numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. All of my family and their families are my life.

This accident was inexcusable!

Loretta Horlacher

Lake Stevens

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Friday, Nov. 7

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Warner Bros.
"The Lord of the Rings"
Editorial: Gerrymandering presents seductive temptation

Like J.R.R. Tolkein’s ‘One Ring,’ partisan redistricting offers a corrupting, destabilizing power.

Schwab: Trump continues course blithely as voters begin to rouse

Against a backdrop of Democratic election wins, Trump continued with the same old, same old.

Democracy is worth staying, fighting for

In response to a recent letter to the editor suggesting we offer… Continue reading

Issue of Epstein files hasn’t gone away for Trump

I really don’t care about your politics but I’m really concerned that… Continue reading

Bouie: Election shows Trump as albatross around GOP’s neck

Voters are telling Trump and Republicans that they’ve baldy misread the mandate of the 2024 election.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, Nov. 6

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Stephens: Why do dumb ideas — from left and right — persist?

A little reflection on past failures ought to be enough to have us keep searching for solutions.

Comment: Food banks are indispensable, but can’t replace SNAP

SNAP has been the most effective anti-poverty program in U.S. history. Its work must be restored.

Comment: California’s gerrymander is sleazy, but necessary

And, as Tuesday’s vote shows, it had the support of a majority of Californians who oppose Trump’s agenda.

Comment: The devil for GOP is in the details of the election

If they care to listen, Republicans were given a warning about their prospects in the 2026 midterms.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.