Apparently neither Ricky Turco nor his mother “get it.” His statement that “I’m a really good driver” and his mother’s statement that “he was just the only person behind the wheel” (LJS, April 7) are contradicted by his actions.

To be a good driver, you must be a responsible driver — you are the one behind the wheel — you are the one responsible for the lives of those individuals who are your passengers. Driving 60 mph in an area where the speed limit is substantially lower than that and driving recklessly are not symbols of someone who is a responsible driver.

When you are the one behind the wheel, you must choose to drive responsibly or face not only losing those driving privileges but also possibly hurting someone — perhaps fatally, as in this case. And as the one behind the wheel, you are ultimately the one who must be held responsible for what happens.

Debbie Wilsey, Waverly

Anger and frustration

Ricky Turco allegedly was the driver in the crash that killed Megan Churchill. So why was this teen out driving the streets of Lincoln? Obviously tickets, accidents, and even the death of a friend mean nothing to this boy.

The anger and frustration I felt after reading the April 5 article do not compare at all to what the families of the three teens must be feeling whose lives he has ruined. And what irresponsible adult gave him the keys to their car? 

I also feel the police have let the public down. Assistant Chief Jim Peschong said in the article that police didn’t arrest him, but that could happen if he keeps driving. I only hope he appears before a judge that keeps him off the streets. Megan needs justice.

Gretchen Kechely, Roca

60 mph, no time to stop

At 60 mph, a vehicle is traveling one mile — or 5,280 feet — per minute. That is the length of about 18 football fields per minute, or 88 feet per second.

For a sharp, nonimpaired mind, at 60 mph the thought process (or thinking distance) to only begin the braking process will eat up 60 precious feet (almost four car lengths). Add the length of stopping a car going 60 mph on clean dry pavement (180 feet), and you have a total stopping distance of about 240 feet.

From the point Ricky Turco’s airborne Chrysler touched down, there was just not enough time or distance to avoid the horrible tragedy of March 26. The speed limit is 25 mph on residential streets for a reason.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all involved, especially to Megan Churchill’s family and friends.

Dan Zichek, Lincoln

Turco should be in jail

Who needs a driver’s license? I would like to be on the jury for Ricky Turco. He should be in jail. He allegedly killed a person.

He admitted he drove recklessly. He should never be allowed to drive in the state again. He seems to show no remorse.

What the hell was he thinking of? Every time he is caught driving without a license he should go to jail.

I would like to know what questions he doesn’t think belong on the driver’s test.

John Scheidt, Lincoln

Get Turco off the streets

Why is Rick Turco not in jail? After multiple tickets, one for manslaughter for allegedly killing a 15-year-old girl, for reckless driving, failure to appear in court (four times), excessive speeding in a housing area (25 mph posted), and numerous other traffic tickets, we do not need this type of person on the street.

He has already shown he does not care about the laws, as after this last accident that killed someone he was once again driving without a driver’s license less than 24 hours after he gets a ticket on suspicion of manslaughter.

What does he have to do before the police do something? What is he going to be like in 10 years?

Martin E. Rasch Jr., Lincoln

In memory of Bataan

Monday was the 65th anniversary of the Bataan death march. Close to 7,000 American servicemen along with thousands of our Philippine allies suffered cruel deaths on this “march.” It is a national holiday in the Philippines.

Yet there was nothing in the Lincoln newspaper about the war crime. Doesn’t anybody remember this tragic moment?

William Synnott, Lincoln