It is well-documented that younger teenage drivers have the highest rates of fatal traffic accidents. A plan by a Pennsylvania lawmaker to reduce fatal accidents among 16- and 17-year-old drivers deserves support.

Rep. Katharine Watson, R-Bucks, is sponsoring a bill that would allow only a single passenger in any car driven by a 16- or 17-year-old driver. This restriction, already in place in numerous other states, is a sensible reaction to the fact that a car full of teenagers is more likely to produce dangerous distractions for the young driver than if the driver is alone or driving with only one passenger. Causal observation of a carload of teenagers driving near the mall or through a downtown supports Watson's proposal.

Watson's legislation would also increase the hours of instruction required for so-called junior drivers. That, too, is a good idea.

Another significant provision in Watson's bill would let police stop teenage drivers for not wearing seat belts. The current seat-belt law classifies failure to comply with mandatory seat-belt usage as a "secondary offense,"meaning police cannot make a stop for a seat-belt violation, but can only add penalties for failure to wear a seat belt after a stop for another, "primary offense." Watson's bill would make seat-belt usage, for teen drivers specifically, a primary offense.

This change would enhance enforceability, though there still can be debate over whether police have the time — or manpower — to stop teenage drivers for not wearing seat belts. It is that periodic, concentrated police efforts at making such stops would get the word out that seat belts must be worn by teenage drivers.

Overall, Watson's bill provides some common-sense changes that can save lives of young drivers, their passengers and other people on the roads.

The $10 million investment that the federal government has made at the Butler Veterans Affairs Medical Center since October 2006 should be a source of reassurance and confidence about the facility's future.Likewise, the new 55-bed domiciliary approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs this year, which currently is in the design phase, is a vote of confidence by Washington in the medical center's solid, continuing role in the nationwide veterans health care network.Major components of the $10 million investment at the multi-building veterans facility included upgrades to heating and ventilation systems, roof repairs to four buildings, removal of old paint from two buildings and construction of a computer room.Five buildings were razed.To those who value the presence of the medical center, foremost for its commitment to veterans but also for its contributions to the local economy, the government's decision to upgrade the facility exhibits an understanding of the stepped-up needs that will exist as a result of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.But the ongoing commitment to veterans of past wars, such as Vietnam, also will remain an important function of the center.Butler can feel proud that it is an important component in this nation's overall commitment to those who have served this country with honor and dignity.

The Butler Township commissioners were correct Monday in agreeing to "explore" a joint effort with the Butler Area Sewer Authority to resolve a stormwater issue on Bessemer Avenue and Alton Street.But the township shouldn't delay a final decision on the matter any longer than necessary.It's in the best interests of the township, as well as BASA, that the longtime problem be resolved as soon as possible.For BASA, correcting the problem would be a significant step in meeting the state's requirement that BASA eliminate stormwater infiltration from its system. From the township perspective, the proposed project is seen as a way to eliminate water problems that occur in that area during times of significant rainfall.The project is deemed necessary because the sewer lines in that area, which were installed during the 1920s, were allowed to accept stormwater as well as sewage.Matt Bagaley, an engineer with Gateway Engineering of Pittsburgh, which serves as township engineer, told the commissioners that during significant rains, an estimated 650,000 gallons of stormwater enter sanitary sewer lines at Bessemer and Alton. That's equal to the amount of sewage produced by 1,600 homes, he said.The solution discussed Monday is installation of a 36-inch sanitary sewer line and new stormwater lines in that area. The joint venture is seen by BASA as a way for both objectives to be achieved without having to open the ground twice.The project's cost is an obvious concern for the township, but it's commendable that township officials are being open-minded in considering it.This might be the township's best opportunity for an efficient fix without having to incur the full cost of excavation and other elements of the work.