essay on why the driving age should be raised to 18

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Should The Driving Age Be Raised to 18: Argumentative

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Updated: 23 November, 2023

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Works Cited

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• Bensley, L. S., Van Eenwyk, J., & Simmons, K. W. (2000). Self-reported childhood sexual and physical abuse and adult HIV-risk behaviors and heavy drinking. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 18(2), 151-158.
• Davis, C. G., Lehman, D. R., Wortman, C. B., Silver, R. C., & Thompson, S. C. (1995). The undoing of traumatic life events. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 21(2), 109-124.
• De Bellis, M. D. (2002). Developmental traumatology: The psychobiological development of maltreated children and its implications for research, treatment, and policy. Development and Psychopathology, 14(4), 747-776.
• Kendler, K. S., Kuhn, J. W., & Prescott, C. A. (2004). Childhood sexual abuse, stressful life events and risk for major depression in women. Psychological Medicine, 34(8), 1475-1482.
• Poulton, R., Caspi, A., Milne, B. J., Thomson, W. M., Taylor, A., Sears, M. R., & Moffitt, T. E. (2002). Association between children's experience of socioeconomic disadvantage and adult health: A life-course study. The Lancet, 360(9346), 1640-1645.
• Rapsey, C. M., Scott, K. M., & Patterson, T. (2018). Long-term effects of childhood abuse on the quality of life and health of older people: Results from the Depression and Early Prevention of Suicide in General Practice Project. Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect, 30(5), 372-386.
• Silver, R. C., Boon, C., & Stones, M. H. (1985). Searching for meaning in misfortune: Making sense of incest. Journal of Social Issues, 41(1), 81-102.

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Should the States Raise the Legal Driving Age to 18? Essay

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Introduction

In a 2019 overview of the fatality rates in the United States, while teenagers drove less compared to all but the oldest people, the number of deaths and crashes associated with them were disproportionately high. By comparison, between 16 and 19 years, the number of fatal crash rates was three times more than crash rates among drivers over twenty years (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, n.p.).

Furthermore, the risks of such fatal crashes and deaths were reportedly highest in teenagers aged between 16 and 17 years. With the understanding established, Fritscher argues that, among various reasons, teens should be allowed to drive because it plays a fundamental role in teenage development. The purpose of the essay is to compare, therefore, and contrast the rhetorical elements associated with whether the states should raise the legal driving age to 18. While teenage development is vital in growing up, it does not compare to the risks associated with teenage driving. Hence, the states should raise the legal driving age to 18.

Fritscher on Reasons why teens should drive shows that despite research showing the risks that come with teenage driving, the majority of the people in the U.S. consider teen going an essential element of life. By 16, getting a driver’s license is regarded as a rite of passage in the majority of the states in the U.S. (Fritscher, n.p.). In the understanding by Erik Erikson, developmental theorist, this rite of passage contributes to discovering the identity and plays a fundamental role in teenage development. Teenagers require space to break away from their parents, develop personal values and morals, and spend time with their peers (Fritscher, n.p.). While some metropolitan regions in the U.S. have excellent public transport systems, most similar areas do not and thus, require teenagers to drive in search of their independence.

While teenage development is a significant aspect of growing up, the search for independence, personal values, and morals might come at a cost, both in the lives of teenagers and other road users as well. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in Fatality Facts 2019: Teenagers aims to show that the independence sought after by teenagers comes at a high cost. In a study to analyze the licensing systems in the U.S. between 1990 and 2019, the graduated licensing for National studies found that lower fatal crashes were reported when every state adopted graduated techniques. In the presence of solid laws, there were associated lower fatal crashes and substantially lower insurance claim rates among teenagers (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, n.p.).

With substantial restrictions on teen passengers and nighttime driving, alongside raising the licensing age for teen drivers, the insurance firms encountered a decline in insurance collision claims resulting in reduced fatal crash rates.

From the findings of the study by the fatality analysis reporting system (FARS) of the U.S. transportation department, reports posted in March 2021 showed that in 2019, there were over 2,370 teenagers involved in automobile crashes. Compared to the same statement made in 1975, the figures associated with 2019 were over 70 percent more than in 1975 and 5 percent more than the previous year (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, n.p.). By breaking down the number of deaths, in terms of gender, the Institute discovered that two-thirds of the teenagers killed were male, and the number of male deaths since 1975 has been on the rise. Compared to their female counterparts, the rate of male teenage drivers who were reported dead rose by 76 percent, unlike 64 percent of female adolescent drivers.

Rouse, on the Pros and cons of driving at the age of 16 , seeks to show that while teenage driving is essential, it might be inappropriate to allow teenagers to drive. It might be problematic for teenagers to go because it is the main contributor to the increase in fatal crashes among teen drivers. An increase in fatal crashes has been highly linked to the lack of experience by these young drivers (Rouse, n.p.).

Since these young drivers have only been driving for a shorter timeframe, they encounter dangerous or challenging situations where they lack experience in understanding how to respond safely. In a 2008 article by the New York Daily, the article reported that because of the lack of experience, the leading cause attributed to teenage deaths was car crashes (Rouse, n.p.). Minimizing the possibilities that come with adolescent driving might require all states to raise the legal driving age to 18 years.

While teenage driving, like a rite of passage in most Americans, might seem appealing, considering the risks and rates of fatal crashes is an equally attractive point to emphasize in the lives of Americans. The absence of experience from teen maturity levels, while it might be argued to increase responsibility, threatens the lives of many others due to the possibility of encountering dangerous and challenging situations. A high time has come when all states should legalize the driving age to 18 years, primarily as a way of combating the increased number of fatal crashes attributed to teenage driving.

Fritscher, Lisa. Howtoadult. 2017. Web.

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. 2020. Arlington, VA.

Rouse, Britany. Howtoadult. 2017. Web.

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IvyPanda. (2022, November 28). Should the States Raise the Legal Driving Age to 18? https://ivypanda.com/essays/should-the-states-raise-the-legal-driving-age-to-18/

"Should the States Raise the Legal Driving Age to 18?" IvyPanda , 28 Nov. 2022, ivypanda.com/essays/should-the-states-raise-the-legal-driving-age-to-18/.

IvyPanda . (2022) 'Should the States Raise the Legal Driving Age to 18'. 28 November.

IvyPanda . 2022. "Should the States Raise the Legal Driving Age to 18?" November 28, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/should-the-states-raise-the-legal-driving-age-to-18/.

1. IvyPanda . "Should the States Raise the Legal Driving Age to 18?" November 28, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/should-the-states-raise-the-legal-driving-age-to-18/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Should the States Raise the Legal Driving Age to 18?" November 28, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/should-the-states-raise-the-legal-driving-age-to-18/.

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The Minimum Driving Age Should Be Raised to 18

Young drivers, and even older ones, cause many fatal accidents; raising the minimum age at which people can drive might reduce this, but is it a benefit to society, and are the statistics true? We can help lower the accident rates if the driving age is raised to 18 so no more kids can get hurt or killed in a accident on the freeway or by another car crashing into their car if we raise the driving age it will be safer for the young and old drivers.

All the Yes points:

The number of serious or fatal road accidents in the uk will be reduced, 17 year olds are simply not mature enough to cope with the skills required for driving, young people may have a “racer boy” attitude to driving, raising the age limit may do something to promote more environmentally friendly alternatives, they should undergo a one year ‘settling down’ process, people who go to university will hardy have any time to learn how to drive, no because younger drivers aren’t necessarily dangerous, raising driving age, should the driving age be raised to 18, driving at age 16, you should raise it, age of 18 driving, some teenagers text and are therefore not reliable., yes they should raise it up. 16 year olds are irresponsible. my friends friend and his buddies were killed in a car wreck they were 16., all the no points:, other countries are even younger – in america only 16, the accidents may just be delayed by one year, it removes the freedom of young people, there are alternatives – such as making tests more rigorous, raising the driving age to 21 would be a much better idea., parents can provide guidance to their teens, it denies young people access to safe transportation, driving ability should be judged more – why not also a maximum age, inexperience no, lack of maturity., driving age shouldn’t be raised to 18, males are 77% more likely than females to kill someone while driving. ban men from driving, the assumption that teens lack maturity to drive is highly incorrect, no it shouldn’t, no no no no no no no no no no no no no, yes because….

The numbers speak for themselves. Statistics have shown that 15% of all accident deaths on UK roads involve drivers under the age of 21. Research shows that 17 to 20 year olds are about seven times more likely to be killed or injured in an accident (per mile of driving). This is illustrated by the fact that 135 teenage drivers were killed on UK roads during 2007, with many more injured. Raising the minimum driving age to 18 would dramatically decrease deaths and injuries.

No because…

Raising the age does not guarantee a reduction in deaths. Rather, it would just change the statistics from “17 to 20 year olds” to “18 to 21 year olds”. The reason why drivers crash is a lack of experience, and an 18 year old with one year’s worth of experience is just as likely to crash as a 17 year old with one year’s experience. For that matter, it would be the same with a 35 year old with one year’s experience. Raising the age therefore would not dramatically increase deaths and injuries. You may be able to change the age, but you can’t change the people! Additionally, one cannot say logically that one must raise the driving age because teenagers are harming others and/or being harmed while driving. For example, a parallel can be found in driving statistics for males versus females. According to studies, males of all ages are 77% more likely to kill someone when driving than females. It would be just as illogical to raise the driving age to 18 as to ban males from driving.it won’t help if your sitting on tour butt for two more years doing nothing you might be more mature at 18 but that doesn’t mean your mature enough for the road.

One reason to show that 18 year olds have a more mature mind then 16 year olds is because of the pressure of college and being on your own. When you are 18 you think about the life ahead of you which stresses you out because one day you will have to pay for everything and also if you are not yet in college you would rather have some money then your parents pay for an accident. This is false because I would like the ability to drive to work because I am turning into a responsible adult. If YOUR parents did not raise you right other people should not suffer for your insolence.

Everybody is different. To say that someone at the age of seventeen is not mentally mature is a sweeping generalisation. Some people by the age of 18 may well not have reached what the proposition cite as “full mental maturity”. Some people may never reach “full mental maturity”. We mature at different rates, and therefore we have safeguards to ensure that those driving have sufficient “mental maturity”, and it’s called “the driving test”. If you haven’t passed, you can’t legally drive without a person who has held a full clean licence for three years with you. Doing so is breaking the law and is punished. Raising the age to 18 would have no effect whatsoever because the driving test is there to ensure the “mental maturity” of the driver before he is fully qualified. Peole are going to be the same no matter how old they are! There are some people that are 20 years old and above that are still not mature. It so depends on what type of person you are. People need to grow up sometime. Im 17 years old, didnt take drivers ed, took ten questions for my written drivers test (in oklahoma), failed my behind the seat drivers test, went back got a hundred, have yet to be pulled over, and get a ticket. Never got in a wreck, dont talk on my cell phone, can drive in cities like LA and San Francisco no problem. And see many many many horrible drivers everywhere i go. I dont think the age limit should be raised, i think if you mess up once you lose your privilege to drive period. Stupid biased point. I’m a female from the u.k and disagree that 17 year olds are immature. Some are but not all of us it’s mainly “boy racers” that crash not everybody else. Adults are also liable to crash. So don’t raise the age because It’s pointless waste of time and money.

The immaturity of some young people may deem that they are not sensible enough to be let loose on the roads. British law does not allow citizens most adult privileges until the age of 18. Why should driving be any different?

The proposition forgets that drivers are not “let loose” on the roads, but that they must take a test first to ensure their driving proficiency. And to generalise and say that 17 year olds are immature is wrong. In fact, many boy-racers are over the age of 20 at least. Look at the presenters and audience of Top Gear.

If young people are not permitted to drive, they would effectively be forced into looking for alternatives to get about. This may mean that they are encouraged to use greener alternatives such as public transport. Instilling this idea at a young age could mean that they think about the environment more in the future – an ever increasing issue in today’s climate.

People should have the choice as to whether they drive or use other forms of transport. If the government wanted to promote greener transport then it should do it in a way that does not just discriminate against young people. Also not everybody has access to public transport especially young people! This in turn would be a much less effective way for young people to get about as they would become more reliant on others, like their parents, to get them about which is not always practical.

They should not be allowed to carry passengers until one year after passing the test. This would allow them to acquire some road sense and, hopefully, common sense. Any misdemeanours and the clock restarts. Three strikes within that year and they are banned for life. Brutal? So is the loss of an innocent life.

This has nothing to do with raising the legal driving age. First off there is already a restriction that states that a driver under the age of 18 cannot have more than one non-family member under 18 as a passenger in their car. Get your facts straight. And why should all younger drivers be penalised for the mistakes for a few. As some studies have shown 77% of males of all ages are more likely to kill someone than a female, so should be also ban males from having passengers? Also I thought the ‘P’ plate process was a ‘settling down’ process, where PROVISIONAL drivers are watched more closely than open drivers..

They will have lots of work to do! Believe me I know! I tried to learn whilst I was in Uni and I just couldn’t cope with the amount of work and learning how to drive. It’s been two years since I first tried to pass the test and I still haven’t passed!

So instead all the 18 year old drivers are the ones not smart enough to go to University or the ones who do go but had very little time to practice. Now you will just have the poor 18 year old drivers giving their smart friends rides to school. great.

There are just as many people who are careless and inconsiderate drivers who are much older than 17year olds. Some 17 year old drivers are more sensible and cautious than those who have been driving for years. Many more elderly people are dangerous on roads than younger people as they have slower reaction times and can struggle with visibility. Therefore, should older people have to re-take a test to make sure they are still fit to drive? Younger drivers may be less experienced, but doesn’t experience come with practice? Therefore why not let people take a test at 17 if they want to? It may make them better drivers as they learnt early and gained practice and experience.

17 Years of age is a good age to start. Most teens are in there prime from 16 – 26. Those are the best years that they WILL have the best reaction time. In the USA in some states it is 14 to drive. For example, I Iowa they let you drive at the age of 14. That could be bad or good. But the thing is they keep you in a certain area until they reach a certain age. Then you can go across the country. But they don’t let anyone under 18 drive anywhere but the home state. So whats the difference in the USA? If an applicant is 17 years of age or younger when they apply for their learner permit, they must hold the learner permit for six months before applying for a driver license. However, if the applicant turns 18 during the holding period, they may apply for their driver license upon turning 18. The six-month learner permit holding requirement does not apply to an applicant who is age 18 or older at the time of application for the learner permit. sources: http://www.2pass.co.uk/ages2.htm http://publicsafety.utah.gov/dld/minor_learner_permits.html

The number of car accidents will be reduced if we raise it

Sure, but the percentage? I highly doubt so. All you are doing is discriminating against young drivers and reducing number of drivers and cars on the road. It could lower the number of accidents, too, if I just chose that no one could drive who is over 70.

At 16 teens are still immature. Indeed they may well still not be responsible enough at 18. This immaturity means that they often cause accidents killing either themselves, their passangers or unlucky bystanders.

not exactly true because it’s not only teens that are demonstrating wreck-less driving. My mom is a very cautious driver and the other day we were going home and our light was green and we didn’t go right away but before we got a chance to go a truck ran the light and was going at least 65-80 mph. and when you looked at the driver it was someone who was at least 30 years old.

In the past, driving at a young age was not allowed. Are teenagers mature enough now?. Are they’re parents telling them or not giving them permision?. And what does the police think about teenagers driving at a young age?

Why are we still living in the past then, for instance, the media does not promote things they used to in the past ( I.e. Cigarettes) Knowledge has furthered so people know how the clogs twist and turn in the minds of teenagers. If we ban driving until eighteen then younger teens will feel compelled to drive just to contradict the law, and therefore lowering opinions on driving for under 18s. This situation is neither win win nor lose lose. Police will disagree ofcourse because they uphold the law, i’m not badmouthing all police officers but if the law were to be changed then would go along with it just fine unless some put their foot down. Whether they like it or not teenagers are the next generation so what can they do to prevent that.

You should raise the legal age of driving to 18 because the most wrecks that occur are from teens.Teens have a certain way of thinking that “I win you lose,” kind of attitude.Or the “My way or no way.”

Well, over the past ten years, many countries, and parts in the U.S. have committed to a special program known as GDL (Graduated Driver Licensing.) This means that new drivers have to go through two or more restrictions before they earn a full license. According to http://Www.Idebate.org , GDL has shown a tremendous decrease of teenager yearly-deaths on and OFF the road!!!

Many people who are younger than an adult are careless and they don’t pay attention to the road. They pay attention to their ipod their cell phones, their radio, but not the road. I know some people do, but we need to be more careful. And making the test harder is just as bad as keeping the age of 16 because people will study to get the license. I think that if you raise it to 18 there will be a lesser chance that accidents will occur. Older people will likely to pay more attention to the road then all the new technology people create.

Many teens under the age of 18 feel more than capable. Some of the maturity levels of teens under the age of 18 are higher than others. raising the age limit will also increase the crime rate oof teens under the age limit commiting offences. Controvesy is the last thing that is needed especially when dealing with teenagers. The current age limit is perhaps one of few things keeping crime rates low. rasing the age limit will increase teen offences.

The driving age should be raised because over 5,000 teens die because they are careless, and I do not want to be hit by a careless teen!!!

not all should be punished for the careless few that are driving. I think that if they made the driving test more complicated than it would reduce the wreckless teens on the road. So why punish all teens by banning driving from the ones who know how to do the right thing?

Teenagers may take their eyes of the road, texting, and crash into another vehicle. Most accidents happen because the teens think that it is more inportant to talk or text there friends then to pay attention to the road. PUT the PHONE AWAY and PAY attention you cant text when your home or not in the driver seat.

So why don’t the parents take the phone from the teens when they’re driving and give them back later. I think that sited texting while driving should automatically be a ticket. DON’T PUNISH ALL TEENS for the CARELESS FEW.

too many deaths are caused by 16 year old drivers. “oh haha lets get drunk and drive we are cool cuz we are 16!” i dont think so Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among 15- to 20-year-olds. 16-year-olds have higher crash rates than drivers of any other age. 16-year-olds are 3 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle crash than the average of all drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Center for Statistics and Analysis, in 2008: Hand-held cellphone use was highest among 16- to 24-year-olds (8% in 2008, down from 9% in 2007). 37% of male drivers ages 15-20 who were involved in fatal crashes were speeding at the time. 55%, or 2,014, of the 3,678 occupants of passenger vehicles ages 16-20 who were killed in crashes were not buckled up. 31% of drivers ages 15-20 who were killed in motor vehicle crashes had been drinking some amount of alcohol; 25% were alcohol-impaired, meaning they had a blood alcohol content of 0.08 grams per deciliter or higher. Statistics show that 16- and 17-year-old driver death rates increase with each additional passenger (IIHS). http://www.rmiia.org/auto/teens/Teen_Driving_Statistics.asp

I’m sorry but I disagree with you completely. Yes, I agree there are SOME immature sixteen year olds out there who are like that, but you can’t stereotype ALL sixteen year olds because of something idiotic someone else of that age did. I’m sixteen years old and I drive better then half the “adults” on the road I see these days. There are people of ALL ages driving on the road reckless because they think they’re an adult therefore they can get off the hook. I know people who were OLDER then 16 – more like between the ages of 18 − 30 – who’ve been caught drunk driving or even dying but they don’t expect it to happen to them because they’re “responsible drivers” When driving, it’s not the age that mostly matters. What mostly matters is if you’re MATURE and RESPONSIBLE.

In countries such as America and Australia the minimum driving age is even lower. This would seem to set a precedent that it is ok. even thuogh they think that we are to young will will still have better grades and better abilities to do thinhgs for more people and jobs.

Just because other countries have it, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is right. The statistics on road deaths in the US reflect those of the UK. America is also considering its stance on minimum driving age at this time. The following chart specifies the age at which one may be fully privileged to drive in a particular American state. Alabama 17 yrs. Alaska 16 yrs. & 6 mos. Arizona 16 yrs. & 6 mos. Arkansas 18 yrs. California 18 yrs., provisional from 16 to 18 Colorado 17 yrs. Connecticut 17 yrs. & 4 mos. (w/ passengers); 18 yrs. @ night Delaware 17 yrs. Florida 18 yrs. Georgia 18 yrs. Hawaii 17 yrs. Idaho 16 yrs. (night); 15 yrs. & 6 mos. (w/ passenger) Illinois 18 yrs. (night); 17 yrs. (w/ passenger) Indiana 17 yrs. Iowa 17 yrs. Kansas 16 yrs. & 6 mos. Kentucky 17 yrs. Louisiana 17 yrs. Maine 16 yrs. & 6 mos. Maryland 17 yrs. & 9 mos. (night); 16 yrs. & 11 mos. ( w/ passenger) Massachusetts 18 yrs. (night); 17 yrs. (w/ passenger) Michigan 17 yrs. Minnesota 16 yrs. & 6 mos. (night); 17 yrs. (w/ passenger) Mississippi 16 yrs. & 6 mos. Missouri 17 yrs. & 11 mos. Montana 16 yrs. Nebraska 17 yrs. (night); 16 yrs. & 6 mos. (w/ passenger) Nevada 16 yrs. & 6 mos. New Hampshire 17 yrs. & 1 mos. (night); 16 yrs. & 6 mos. (w/ passenger) New Jersey 18 yrs., provisional at 17 yrs. New Mexico 16 yrs. & 6 mos. New York 17 yrs. w/ drivers ed; 18 yrs. w/o drivers ed North Carolina 16 yrs. & 6 mos. North Dakota 14 yrs. & 6 mos. Ohio 18 yrs. (night); 17 yrs. (w/passenger) Oklahoma 16 yrs. & 6 mos. w/ drivers ed; 17 yrs. w/o drivers ed Oregon 17 yrs. Pennsylvania 17 yrs. (if crash & conviction free); 18 yrs. otherwise Rhode Island 17 yrs. & 6 mos. South Carolina 16 yrs. & 6 mos. South Dakota 16 yrs. Tennessee 17 yrs. Texas 16 yrs. & 6 mos. Utah 17 yrs. (night); 16 yrs. & 6 mos. (w/ passneger) Vermont 16 yrs. & 6 mos. Virginia 18 yrs. Washington 18 yrs. West Virginia 17 yrs. Wisconsin 16 yrs. & 9 mos. Wyoming 16 yrs. & 6 mos. w/ drivers ed; 17 yrs. w/o drivers ed Washington DC 18 yrs. http://dmvanswers.com/questions/257/What-is-the-legal-driving-age-in-my-state

By raising the age it does not guarantee that accidents will decrease. They may simply just be delayed by one year as drivers are having accidents a year later. This would be the case if the accidents were caused primarily by lack of experience as opposed to age. In addition, carrying out any change just to see if it works is generally a poor idea. If it is not broken, do not fix it.

Only by carrying out the change will we be able to see if it works or not. The age has a lot to do with driving. When they are 15-17 and still in high school the pressure with school, friends, and daily emotions at that age can distract the young drivers to the point of an accident. Yes, “Only by carrying out the change will we be able to see if it works or not” is a poor idea but with the statistics of many young drivers and accidents, it proves that the age should rise up. People will never know unless they try.

Without personal mobility, young people are restricted as to where they go and when they go. This not only has implications for the human rights of young people, but may have further reaching impacts such as a hit on the economy if younger people find that their ability to work is constrained. Restrict the freedom of young people? Are you kidding? Freedom is everything to young people. If you take that away then what do they have? Just because someone is young doesn’t mean they are incapable of driving safe. In fact the younger the driver the more they learn. If you do this, this may cause more teenagers to drive illegally.

Surely it’s worth restricting the freedom of young people in order to preserve their lives and the lives of others. Freedom is no good to you if you’ve been paralysed in a car accident or killed your best friend. I agree with this comment. If you do take some freedom from the young teenagers it only helps them to be stronger later on and more maturer. If you give the young teenagers too much freedom, it only causes them to do what ever they want to the point of dissobeying the rules which their parents give and the goverenment. In addition to the comment, “In fact the younger the driver the more they learn.” What are they going to learn from, by having an accident from to much freedom or killing someone at a young age? This only gives more trauma to the younger people.

Instead of simply raising the minimum age, alternative proposals could be made. These could include making tests harder to pass, imposing a compulsory number of practise hours or legislating new restrictions on young drivers once they have passed such as not being able to drive at night.

All of these alternatives have their own pros and cons and should be considered in conjunction with a change in the minimum age. The alternatives to making a test harder is still not a good way to keep the young teenagers from driving reckless. There are many smart teenagers that can pass a test but it is different when getting behind the wheel by themselves or with other passengers. Peoples minds at a young age are very distracted with a lot of information from school, friends, and parents. In addition, there are many pros to raise the age so why don’t we try it?

The difference between 17 and 18 is insignificant, if you want to make a real difference to accidents cause by inexperienced, immature and unimaginative drivers then a more radical change is necessary. It would be possible to offer free or heavily subsidised travel on public transport for young people up to the age of 21 which would encourage more environmentally friendly attitudes in the next generation.

Raising the driving age to 21 would be an over extension because it the voting age in the UK is 18, when a person is recognised as an adult for a lot of different things including the right to vote. To have the driving age raised above that would be patronising to young people and probably generate a backlash in the form of less environmentally friendly attitudes.

While a teenager is still living at home, parents can provide them with guidance and assistance in the process of learning to drive. Parents can supervise them when they are practicing, and teach them certain basic safety rules. At age 18, many are in college and/or living away from home, and do not have access to parental guidance. This may lead them to learn from less experienced drivers such as their peers of the same age, or even attempt to teach themselves without instruction. This is undoubtedly very dangerous and potentially hazardous, as a new driver who has not yet mastered driving may panic and cause tragic accidents. In Australia the legal age to get your learners is 16-17 in most states. During the course where you learn to drive you must complete hours of supervised learning by an instructor or another experience driver such as your parents. If the parents dont have enough time to ‘supervise and assist them’ are they very good parents? I mean, that is the role of a parent in general right?

First of all, the main reason why the driving age is 16 (17 in the UK) is because parents don’t have time to drive the teens around. Do you seriously think that they would have time to supervise and assist them?

It is a known fact that young adults often stay out late. Without the ability to drive, they will have to resort to other means of transportation, most likely walking or public transit. Most parents would probably not want their teenagers walking home alone late at night.

Parents would prefer to get out of bed and pick their teenagers up than to know they were being driven home by immature drivers, who may well have been drinking. Also, with the ability to drive, they would be encouraged to stay out late….doing inappropriate stuff and getting in serious trouble.

Yes, many young drivers have accidents due to inexperience, but doesn’t that mean that maybe instead they need more experience rather than this chance being delayed? Also, in the same way, a high propensity of older drivers have fatal accidents due to inability, despite extensive experience, so it is unfair to judge a group such as this based solely on one years difference in age.

SENATE PASSES ELDERLY DRIVER RESTRICTIONS MARCH 3, 2010: On Tuesday, the Mass State Senate passed its version of the so-called “Safe Driver” bill (S2290). The bill, which drew a spirited debate amongst Senators from both parties, contains language that would require drivers age 75 and older to undergo a cognitive and physical abilities test in order to renew their license. Section 4 of S2290: (b) Notwithstanding any provision of the first paragraph of section 8, an applicant for a license, or the renewal of a license, age 75 or older shall apply in person. The applicant shall submit an elderly driving assessment form completed by the applicant’s health care provider in the health care provider’s professional capacity, and the applicant shall submit the assessment form to the registrar. The elderly driving assessment form shall assess the applicant’s cognitive and physical ability, including a vision test, and any other condition that might prevent such applicant from operating a motor vehicle. The elderly driving assessment form shall be developed by the registrar in consultation with the medical advisory board established in section 8C. An applicant for a license renewal shall complete the form upon the expiration of 60 months from attainment of the age of 75 years, and every 36 months thereafter. No license shall be issued until the registrar is satisfied that the applicant is a qualified person to receive it. http://www.massretirees.com/special-news/senate-passes-elderly-driver-restrictions.html

Young drivers cause the most crashes because of inexperience not lack of maturity. No matter at what age people start driving, they will have accidents because they have little experience. This question only arises because young people are easy to blame. An adult who has just started to drive has as many crashes statistically as a young person.It is not ALL teens that are dangerous just a small percent. Did you know men are 77% more likely to kill someone while driving then women so does that mean we need to only let women drive? this is the same thing you are stereo typing teens unfairly! In addition to that what if 18 year olds got their lisense at 16 wich totally disproves your point,when you said studies show that 16 year olds have more car crashes thent 18 year olds! Than wouldnt the brain of a 21 year old be more developed than an 18 year old’s? And think about it but most of the hoons on the road are in their 20’s not their teens.

However, according to the brain researchers in the National Institute of Health, they have discovered that the executive branch of a teenage brain, which is the part that weighs risks, makes judgements, and controls impulsive behaviour, is not fully developed until after the teen years. Therefore an 18-year-old driver would be more developed than a 16-year-old driver. Also, there are studies that show that 16-year-old have more car crashes than 18-year-olds.

Teenagers may walk in less dangerous areas when going to school. Some teens may walk in the shadows of bad parents and may live in bad neighborhoods and can’t do anything about it. You wouldn’t want your child walking and then getting shot would you?

getting shot is something that is very hard to prevent. Government can’t tell parents how to raise their children. However, driving age is something that can be controlled. Although we cannot prevent children from being shot, we can prevent them from getting into accidents.

18 year olds are not more mature than their fellow teengers just because they have less peer pressure. Some might be but that doesn’t go for all, 18 year olds get the news that they’re now adults by the government so ofcourse they will act all sophisticated to boost their young ‘responsible adult’ status but that’s not always the case. If you give younger teens a chance to drive then they would drive and some will even make sure not to accidentally run a red light but if they delay until 18 then more said 18 year olds won’t bother driving because what would be the point other than location. In conclusion all I’m saying is that 15-17 are revved up to a new experience other than school work.

18 year olds do not have the peer pressure that high school teens do. It is not the maturiety that matters it is the responsibility of getting behind the wheel of a motorized vehical. If you go by the maturiety then the stakes will go for the girls, then the boys. The rate of accident are higher in boys then girls. (19.4 killed per 100,000 male drivers compared with 11.1 killed per 100,000 female drivers)

Males are 77% more likely to kill someone while driving than females.[http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/indepth/upfront/debate/index.asp?article=d0508]] Is it logical to ban males from driving? Likewise, it is illogical to raise the driving age because teenagers are harming or being harmed while driving more than others.

Even though banning males would lower accidents, it would be sexist and even though women are normally the target of sexist remarks, there would still be strong resistance.

People have this overly assertive position against 16 year old drivers from driving and believe they should take the iniative to raise the legal age to start at 18. Assumptions cannot me made over the general population of teens because of a tiny percentage of other teens who are irresponsible. A lack of maturity does not factor into these situations because learning to drive is gained by experience. As 18 year olds they are not obligated as drivers to have other requirements other than take the driver’s test to obtain their licenses. Would you believe an 18 year old with no prior learning experience is more prepared than a 16 year old who has completed all the necessary requirements and above?

The driving age should not be raised to 18 because driving takes training and sitting on your butt for two more years is not going to put any more expirence in you. No matter what age you start driving, you will be inexperience. So you minds well start out at 16 where you are still in high school and are not going to college or start working. I’ll gradutate high school at 17, so it would be nice to have a license before I graduate, so I dont have to worry about learning how to drive and take the test, when I am on my own. Plus, the only way to know how to drive in the winter, know the speed limit, where pot holes are, and how to handle sharp turns is to get out on the road and drive.

Yes it will actually help, being 19 i can say that at the age of 16-17 i had no clue how to handle snowy type environments. Considering that we are only taught how to drive in the clear skies of the summer, they never prepare you for the harsh driving conditions. Now being 19, i know many roads, i know the speed limit i know how sharp turns are, i know where pot holes are…. all these things are things that have to be taken in to understand the road. I can also admit to being immature during high school as well as seeing a lot more immature teens. Driving to impress people, driving while angry, texting and driving. It would be very beneficial if we raised the driving age to 18 and to me i think it should be 20.

When teenagers allowed to have their freedom to travel with supervision, letting them drive gives them more thought to responsibility.

When the title of going against a higher driving age is 13 no’s followed by 18 more exclamation marks then needed, the writer is most likely not mature enough to drive. Therefore the driving age should be only for more mature driving ages. Driving and endangering lives is not freedom.

NONONONONONONONONO

I have not started Drivers Ed yet but I really do think that they should keep the driving age as it is the only thing that I personally think is not fair is as soon as you turn 18 you can get your licenses I think everyone should take the class to make sure everyone understands driving because driving is a skill that takes time and I want to know everything and make sure that I am good at driving before I hit the road because I do not want to be the person who kills someone because I am a reckless driver nobody wants to be that person am I right?

I agree with you @dan most adult drivers are to worried about facebook and thier social media us teens are trying to impress the adults and show them that we can drive

Half the adults are worse drivers than teens anyway

I am going to make a new law that the legal driving age is changed to 14.

Really 14 year olds arent even old enough to drive and also you guys arent even mature enough to drive and your not responsible.

YES!!!!!!!!

I think that they want older kids to drive but they never tried 14 year old driving vs 18 year old because they think we are not ready for it. But I already know how to drive but I can’t drive yet because the law says that I can’t drive till I’m 16 and a half. But also want to say is that I want to be able to go places and having freedom because it isn’t fair so we should get the right to drive instead of walking everywhere. We can even go to school earlier and we don’t have to Saturday school because we will never be tardy. but that’s just my opinion from a 13 year old but I think they should change the law to let younger teens get the chance to drive.

I think 16 is a bit young to be out on the road as it is in America. But 17 is not really any better. Why can kids go out on the road in a potential killing machine at 17 and drinking alchohol is allowed at just 18? I am not sure about the drinking or driving age as it all seems a bit backwards. The potential to drink and drive is high if the 16 year old looks older and doesn’t get asked for ID. Maybe driving at 18 and drinking at 21? Not all young people are irresponsible but they are perhaps more naive or adventurous and not always fully aware of consequences. I’m worried they will learn to drive and then get cocky about their ability to both drink and drive. If they drive at 18 then drink at 21 then at least they will have been driving for three years. But to be honest nothing we do here is 100% safe.

I personally think that it should be raised. Here are some facts: 32.8% of high school students nationwide have texted or e-mailed while driving. 12% of distracted drivers involved in fatal car accidents were teens ages 15 to 19. Talking on a cell phone can double the likelihood of an accident and can slow a young driver’s reaction time to that of a 70-year-old. Drivers under the age of 20 make up the largest percentage of distracted drivers. 56% of teens admit to talking on cell phones while driving. 13% of teens admit to texting while driving. 34% of teens age 16 and 17 admit that they send and respond to text messages while driving. 48% of kids ages 12 to 17 report being in a car when the driver was texting.

I strongly disagree with you. Just because of a few facts doesn’t mean teens are not allowed to drive. I believe those specific teens can’t drive until 18, while everyone else is okay. Teens also await for the year that they get their license, making them so excited for the license. I personally am excited, I can’t wait! Don’t take away the trust and freedom away from teens who need it the most! There is a reason why the law is 16, not 18. This argument is done.

Those facts can easily be used against you such as the 12% text and drive, what about the 8m% who don’t?

OK I am 16 and why should I give up my freedom,just because people think i’m immature when most adults these past few years that THEY ARE THE BAD DRIVERS.

Okay so I’m 16 years old, almost 17 years old, I recently was in a car accident, I was at fault since I din’t see the other driver, I was driving and turning onto a different road and was hit in a head on collision by a mother going over the 45mph speed limit, my new car was totaled and I was brought to the hospital for a broken Femer, Clavicle, heart, Broken Sternum, and collapsed lung, If i were of died she would of been at fault and probably gone to jail. Thats the problem.

If you think about, everyone is saying that people would be more experienced and mature when they are 18 or 21 than when they are 16, 17, etc. but really an 18 or 21 year old learning to drive will be just as dangerous as a 16 or 17 year old learning to drive! they are still inexperienced!!!

If we allowed someone to START when they reached their 21st birthday I guarantee they will celebrate and booze it up in celebration but that’s a whole other argument,so I ask you why did you bring even the thought up

how are teenagers supposed to be able to travel back and forth work, whether a part time at mcdonalds of an apprenticeship at a place in the middle of nowhere, it would interfere with the ability to get employment, do it like motorbikes pass a test only able to drive a small car for x amount of years etc.

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National Motorists Association Blog

Should the driving age be raised to 18.

By Eric Peters, Automotive Columnist

Is 16 too young to drive?

If you’re 16. you probably think not. But it’s those over 16 — adults like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Adrian Lund — who will get to be the deciders on this one. Lund and some others want to push the age at which a person can get their first driver’s license to 17 or even 18.

Of course, it’s all about “safety.”

Lund — a professional nag who heads an organization of nags — says that teenage drivers are a menace to themselves and others and wants to use the billy stick of the federal government (via withheld highway funds) to compel states to raise their legal driving age — just as the billy stick of federal money was used to impose the 55 mph speed limit , virtual Prohibition of alcohol and “primary enforcement” seat belt laws .

This time, it’s not merely “for the children” — it actually involves them.

And Lund is partially right. Teenagers do get into more than their fair share of wrecks. But is this due to their age — or their lack of training/experience?

There are some very young pro drivers — from NHRA to NASCAR. Maybe not sixteen-year-olds, but not far removed. At 15 or 16, some of these kids are better drivers than most of us will ever be. What to make of this fact?

Granted, these are exceptional kids — but the point’s not invalid: Experience and training probably mean a whole lot more than age — as such.

Will raising the age to 17 or 18 give a kid more experience — or less? Maybe the age at which we begin to train kids to drive should be lowered, not raised. Does it make more — or less — sense to toss a kid with zero hours behind the wheel a set of car keys at 17 or 18, when he is inches way from being legally free of any parental oversight whatsoever?

Maybe it would make more sense to begin teaching kids how to drive around 14 or 15 — easing them into it gradually, and with supervision — so that by the time they are 17 or 18 they have three or four years of experience behind them. That’s actually the way it used to be done, until public institutions such as public schools took over from parents and the whole process became bureaucratized and officialized — but with less than stellar results.

Driving is, after all, a skill like any other; it is not mastered overnight — or after a few weeks of classroom instruction and a couple of hours in the seat.

Logic says start them sooner, not later.

But that would make sense — and making sense is what IIHS is not all about. It exists to harp over problems often directly ginned up by its own propaganda. Mandatory buckle-up laws are an example of this. Ditto the neo-Prohibitionist crusade that has gone way beyond a legitimate effort to deal with drunk drivers that now mercilessly prosecutes people with trace amounts of alcohol in their system — as little as .06 or even .04 BAC, the level an average person can reach after having had a single glass of wine over dinner.

But I digress.

The other half of the equation when it comes to new/teenage drivers is proper instruction. What we do in this country — for the most part — is woefully inadequate. Many parents set poor examples — or are simply ill-equipped to properly instruct their kids in safe/competent driving. Ditto the so-called “schools” (especially those offered by the public schools) and the at-best cursory testing done by most DMVs before that first license is issued.

We don’t really show kids how to drive — especially how to handle emergency, such as a slide on black ice. Instead, we chant cant at them that’s obvious BS, such as “speed kills” — the driving equivalent of the BS about “marihuana” that’s peddled to them in Just Say No sessions. Kids are smart enough to see through this — but immature enough to then regard everything they’re taught by adults as BS.

This is dangerous.

Far better to really teach them — and to be honest with them.

I’d be ready to lay serious cash on the table to bet Lund that if you took an average 14 or 15 year old and had him or her trained by an expert instructor and properly supervised for a year or two before a provisional license was granted — after which the kid would still be monitored and quickly reined in at the first sign of reckless or incompetent behavior — the whole “teenage driver” thing would just disappear.

Problem is, there’s no money in that. Finding solutions to problems is not what IIS wants. IIHS wants crusades that never end. Just like MADD; just like politicians.

Just like the whole lot of them.

Comments? www.ericpetersautos.com

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Home | Car Safety | Pros and Cons of Raising the Driving Age

Pros and Cons of Raising the Driving Age

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Arguments for raising the driving age

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is running a Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign during distracted driving awareness month, which is each April. Though we are all susceptible to distracted driving, the NHTSA says drivers ages 16-24 are distracted by devices at higher rates than others. Here are some data-based arguments to be made in favor of raising the minimum driving age.

1. It could reduce fatal crashes

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety , the rate of fatal crashes per mile driven is nearly 3 times higher for teens aged 16 to 19 as it is for drivers over the age of 20. 1 It is thought that raising the driving age to 18 could help lower the overall rate of fatal crashes.

2. It could make teens more active

It is thought that removing the option to drive will cause more teens to walk, ride bikes, or use other active options to get places. This could cut back on teenage obesity levels by providing more opportunities for exercise.

3. 18-year-olds are more emotionally mature than 16-year-olds

Emotional maturity increases as we age, and it’s thought that 18-year-olds are more likely to make smart decisions without giving in to peer pressure than 16-year-olds.

Arguments against raising the driving age

Here are two common arguments in favor of keeping things the same.

1. It would limit transportation options for teens

Teens these days may not be as physically active as they ought to be, but they're definitely busy. School, extracurricular activities, jobs, and social events usually require some form of transportation.

If the teens can’t drive themselves, the responsibility for transportation often falls to their parents—who may not have the time or ability—or to public transportation, which may not be readily available. And with most American cities being built with drivers in mind, walking or biking long distances may not be practical or safe either.

All in all, fewer transportation options could limit the opportunities kids have for personal growth at a critical age.

2. Teen car crash stats would skew toward the new minimum age

 The argument here is that the higher crash rates for 16- and 17-year-olds may just be because they are new to driving and lack experience. Delaying the start of driving may just delay that learning and shift the crash rates more toward the 18- and 19-year-olds. 

Teaching teens to be safe drivers

Whichever side of the argument you fall on, we encourage you to stay invested in your child’s safety as they learn to drive.

Consider these gadgets to keep them accountable: 

• A vehicle gps tracker
• A dash cam  
• A driving safety app like Life360

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• Spring 2022

Unpopular opinion: The legal driving age should be increased

by Marla Rowley , Reporter March 24, 2022

The leading cause of death among teens… car accidents. The controversy around raising the driving age has remained a hot topic with safety experts, politicians, and drivers. As the number of car accidents remains a constant issue in today’s society, Some advocate that the legal driving age will prevent road accidents. 

In many ways, I agree.  Driving has changed significantly.

In some states, drivers can earn their learner’s permit when they’re as young as 14. In most European countries, the minimal driving age is 18, which results in fewer deaths and accidents. With America having millions of yearly accidents and considered one of the most dangerous countries to drive, is it ethical to continue allowing teenagers to drive so young?

Over a decade ago, Maryland senators proposed a bill to raise the legal driving age to 18 in order to reduce teen traffic deaths. This law is a three-stage licensing process where people can receive their permit at 16 and a full unrestricted license at 18. Many disagreed with this bill, saying that drivers wouldn’t be any more prepared at 18 compared to being 16. 

Many teens condemn the idea of having to wait even longer to begin driving. They enjoy the freedom and flexibility it gives them. Having the ability to drive allows them to manage their schedules better and not rely on a family members to drive them around.

However, teens tend to underestimate the dangers of driving and make more reckless decisions due to having underdeveloped brains. 

Distracted Driving

Teens are much more prone to distracted driving. From playing music too loud, having distractive passengers, drinking, and texting, 16- year-olds are more susceptible to being in an accident due to mistakes made within the vehicle. 

For example, teenagers are addicted to their phones. According to a survey done by the AAFP, one in three U.S teens text while driving.  This behavior is typically associated with other behaviors such as drunk driving, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt and other forms of distracted driving. Although, it is estimated that the actual number of teenagers who text and drive is much higher. 

Drinking and driving among teens is very common, despite drinking being illegal for people under 21. In 2019, 24% of drivers ages 15-20 were killed in a car accident after drinking . Teenagers’ lack of driving experience along with drinking and taking drugs heightens the risk for crashes. 

Thrill of Reckless Driving

In addition to distracted driving, teens tend to lack good decision making when it comes to driving. Adolescents are more likely to take risks and put themselves in uncertain situations . This is attributed to teens not being finished developing and immaturity. The responsibility of driving a car combined with underdeveloped brains allows for more fatal accidents. 

During teenage years, the part of the brain that controls emotion develops faster than the part that controls impulses . This accounts for more risk-taking behaviors among adolescents like speeding, swerving, and driving while distracted. At the age of 18, a teenagers brain is significantly more developed which contributes to less road accidents. 

At Linganore High School, there have been a total of four car accidents involving students this year. One of those accidents resulted in medical attention. Ted Mostoller, Linganores student resource officer, agreed that teens’ inexperience in driving results in more accidents. Younger drivers are less prepared for things such as bad weather, road rage, and traffic. 

Developing Brains

While adolescents are at higher risks of making reckless decisions while driving due to immaturity, many teens in today’s society are too emotionally unstable to be operating a vehicle. The emotional development in teens suggests that they’re likely not prepared to safely drive a vehicle at 16 without supervision. 

Despite teens being in their prime physical health, many suffer from suicidal behaviors and substance abuse. These characteristics combined with independently operating a vehicle present more risk on the road. 

In 2017, it was reported that 17% of teens in grades 9-12 thought seriously about attempting suicide, and 2.4% of teens made a suicide attempt resulting in medical attention. This is the age where most people begin driving. If such a high number of teens are experiencing suicidal thoughts, giving children the responsibility of doing something as dangerous as driving isn’t logical. Although, by the time teens graduate high school, their mental health dramatically improves making it much safer to independently operate a car. 

Reduce Road Accidents

In 2019, nearly 2,400 teens were treated for motor vehicle crashes and every day, about 7 teens die from car accidents . Teen drivers are three times more likely to be in a fatal accident compared to people over the age of 20. Inexperience, bad critical decision making, alcohol and substance abuse are all factors that put teens at risk. 

Inexperienced drivers are unavoidable since everyone has to start somewhere. Although, there are significant differences in the brain of an average 16 year old compared to an 18 year old driver. Raising the legal driving age to 18 could help lower the overall rate of fatal crashes and allow teens more time to mature before taking responsibility for driving. Regardless if you think the driving age should be increased or stay the same, teens definitely need more guidance before receiving their license. 

Do you think the driving age should be increased?

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Eva • Feb 6, 2024 at 10:54 pm

Anonymous • Apr 15, 2024 at 3:16 pm

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16 Pros and Cons of Raising the Driving Age

The ability to earn a driver’s license at the age of 16 is a rite of passage for many families in the United States. With education programs allowing for the provision of an instructional at the age of 15 1/2 in some communities, it is an exciting stage that occurs for teens during the process of growing up.

Although there are several advantages for a family when another driver can run errands, teen drivers are also at a higher risk of accident or injury compared to any other population demographic. There are specific challenges that young people face behind the wheel because of their general lack of experience while driving as well.

One of the ideas proposed to counter the disadvantages of earning a driver’s license at 16 is the raise the driving age. By allowing for a longer period of instruction, the thought is that young people can become individual drivers with better skills because they have had more time to practice with their parents or instructors.

These are the significant pros and cons of raising the driving age.

List of the Pros of Raising the Driving Age

1. It could reduce the number of fatalities that occur on the road with teen drivers. One-third of the deaths in the 13-19 age demographic occur in motor vehicle crashes each year. That’s because young drivers are more likely to take risks when compared to the older generations behind the wheel. Every additional passenger in a vehicle with a 16- or 17-year-old driver increases the risk of a fatality occurring. Drivers who are 16 also have the highest crash rate than any other age. By requiring an instructor to stay with the teen until they got older, it would allow each young driver a chance to develop more positive habits.

2. It would encourage teens to be more physically active. If the driving age were raised from its current limits, then it would encourage young drivers to be physically active when they want to go somewhere outside of the home. Since getting behind the wheel would be off-limits, there could be an increase in walking, cycling, and other exercise-based movements. With up to 1 in 3 teens in some states being overweight or obese, we could encourage our children to work on their health while they also get more time to practice for their eventual driving test.

3. It would provide more opportunities to gain experience. 75% of the serious crashes that involve teen drivers are due to critical errors that happen behind the wheel. There are three common steps that young people miss when they are driving which account for almost half of all crashes: scanning for traffic and hazards to avoid, going too fast for the current conditions, and being distracted by something inside or outside of the vehicle. Since many new drivers exit their instructional period with significant deficits in these skill areas, the extra experience could help to reduce these risks.

4. It could reduce the cost of automotive insurance for families. When teen drivers are added to their parent’s automotive insurance, the price of a policy typically skyrockets. The average annual rate quoted for a teen driver in the United States is $2,267 as of 2017. Even adding one driver to an existing policy adds more than $600 to the cost of coverage on your vehicles. By raising the driving age, parents could show their child is a safe driver and secure some additional discounts to reduce this financial impact.

Even teens who maintain a clean driving record in the 15-19 age demographic face significantly higher auto insurance rates because they are four times more likely to be in a crash when compared to older drivers. Since rates don’t start to decline until the age of 25, some changes to how we issue a license could be beneficial to everyone.

5. It would create consistency throughout the U.S. for driving standards. Depending on the state where you live, there are different standards in place for when teens can obtain a license or permit. Some geographic regions allow teens as young as 14 to receive a learner’s permit. You can sometimes receive a restricted driver’s license at 16, while others offer an unrestricted adult license at that time. The global standard for driving is 18, but in the U.S., what is legal for a teen in one state might illegal in another.

6. It could reduce the amount of congestion on the road. Because there are fewer drivers on the roadways with an increase in the independent driving age, there could be less congestion in some communities. Schools would require fewer parking spots to accommodate student drivers, which means the land could be used for other facilities or needs. Fewer vehicles would also mean lower emissions generated for our transportation needs since students would carpool or take the bus to school, which could give our environment a small boost.

7. It would allow a teen’s physiology to mature. Science shows us that the human brain tends to be underdeveloped and volatile during one’s teenage years. That is one of the reasons why kids in this age demographic tend to be impulsive, emotionally unstable, and fail to predict what the consequences of their actions will be. Because all of these skills are essential to the driving process, raising the driving age would allow for young people to finish physically maturing in a way that will eventually make them better drivers.

8. It gives new drivers an opportunity to work with today’s intuitive assistance technologies. Driving today is a very different experience for young drivers than it was even a generation ago. Teens in the 1990s were still managing all aspects of the driving experience through their personal skill because vehicles came with minimal features. Now 16-year-olds have access to lane assist technology, automatic braking, and some vehicles can even park themselves. By working with these features early, they can begin to master them as they gain more wisdom behind the wheel.

List of the Cons of Raising the Driving Age

1. It doesn’t guarantee an increase in driving skills. Raising the driving age from 16 to any age does not matter if there isn’t something in the societal infrastructure that provides the new driver with experience. Even someone who gets behind the wheel at age 25 without any experience will struggle in the same ways that a 16-year-old does during their first driving sessions. The only way for this disadvantage to disappear is to offer meaningful, affordable lessons in each community that gets people driving since you can’t learn everything in the classroom environment.

2. It makes the family schedule more challenging to manage. When kids reach a certain age, they begin to manage a job while they are going to school. There are athletic practices to attend, often right after school. If a 16-year-old (or 17) is unable to drive because the driving age was raised, then someone else in the family must step up to provide these transportation services. If that isn’t possible, then carpooling with other families would also be necessary. This added pressure could make it challenging to manage the career responsibilities of the parents in a single-guardian home or one where both are working to make ends meet.

3. It communicates a lack of trust in the young drivers. Although young drivers do make significantly more serious mistakes on the road when compared to others, it would be incorrect to say that 16-year-olds are responsible for every major incident. If we decide to raise the driving age because of these statistics, then we are effectively discriminating against these kids since the same process is not followed for older drivers. This disadvantage shows that we do not trust all drivers of a certain age, even though there are many young teens who are very responsible behind the wheel and never in accidents.

4. It would prevent them from learning the responsibilities of vehicle ownership. The idea of getting behind the wheel is very exciting for most new drivers, but the responsibility of vehicle ownership is a necessary part of the experience. Raising the driving age would prevent some teens from learning about the responsibility of budgeting for fuel expenses while traveling to school and work. You would also miss the experience of applying for an insurance policy or getting added to the parent/guardian plan. There are even the lessons on vehicle maintenance to consider that wouldn’t always be taken as seriously since there is less independence.

5. It could place the safety of our children at risk. Although taking 16-year-olds out of the vehicle would potentially reduce the risk of being in an accident, having them take public transportation or carpool just increases the potential for problems in other areas. Teens who walk, take a bicycle, or ride a bus to school have a higher risk of encountering a dangerous person or situation without adult supervision present to protect them. They have limited mobility without the vehicle to get away. In neighborhoods where the crime rate is high, this issue just trades one problem for another.

6. It eliminates a family’s freedom to choose what is necessary for their needs. It is interesting that the right to drive a vehicle creates a passionate debate about safety when teens can receive training to handle firearms. If we raise the driving age, then kids could legally possess long guns and ammunition in the United States, but they wouldn’t be permitted to get behind the wheel. There are approximately 3,000 automotive related deaths among teens in the United States each year, which is about the same number of kids who die from gunshot wounds. How can we debate the merits of taking a driver’s license away if we will not debate the same need for firearm ownership for young people?

7. It would still leave a patchwork of confusing driving laws. Individual states in the U.S. have the power to regulate what the driving age is within their state borders. Even if every legislature decided to add requirements that stopped 16-year-olds from getting behind the wheel, there would still be differences in state laws that teen drivers would encounter that could get them into trouble if they were unaware of the change. The only want to really see all of the advantages of this idea would be for the federal government to institute a nationwide change somehow. Since the structure of the government makes this a challenging outcome, we may never see the full life-saving benefits which we might achieve when implementing this idea.

8. It would create an economic deficit for the insurance industry. The premiums are so high for teen drivers because of the risks that they pose on the road. Although 16-year-old drivers are at a higher risk of being in an accident, not every kid with a driver’s license has this happen to them. About 60% of teen drivers are never in an accident before the age of 20 when they are behind the wheel. The insurance companies can charge inflated premiums because of the collected statistics today that they wouldn’t be able to do tomorrow with a higher age limit. That action could create some economic deficits that might even put some professionals out of a job.

In Conclusion with the Pros and Cons of Raising the Driving Age

Whether you are for an increase in the driving age or you believe that the current structure in society should remain the same, we can all agree on the need for training above everything else. If an untrained driver of any age gets behind the wheel of a vehicle, then that action increases the risks for everyone else on the road. The problem is often a lack of experience more than it is a problem with maturity or awareness.

Although the rate of accidents drops dramatically when comparing a 16-year-old driver to an 18-year-old one, the data suggests that the reason why this occurs is because of the experience that drivers get behind the wheel. Is it possible to gain that wisdom with a restricted license or a permit that requires another driver to be in the vehicle? Or should an unrestricted adult license be the better solution?

The pros and cons of raising the driving age often create more questions than answers. Some states in the U.S. might offer opportunities that are below the global standard, but the question must be answered by legislatures across the country. If you feel this debate is something that could save lives one day, then contact your state legislators to share with them how you feel.