To the editor:

Proposed House Bill 218 would require any person under 18 applying for a driver's license or permit to be a student with a grade-point average of at least 1.7 on a 4.0 scale.

Are we to believe this is solely a matter of public safety? Is the rationale that studious teenagers are better drivers? I would hardly call a grade-point average of 1.75 "studious." Nor would I say those teenagers with grade-point average less than 1.75 cannot be safe drivers.

I believe this bill was intended to reduce the dropout rate in public schools, thereby increasing the amount of taxpayers' money each school receives.

Our legislators should focus on improving the schools for those students who want to be there.

Whether it's driving, staying in school or leaving school at 16 to pursue work, training or college, it's all about personal accountability.

STEVE BAIRD, Lebanon, Mo.