Why should the driving age be raised to 18

Should the Driving Age Be Raised to 18? I take the position that the driving age should not be raised to 18. Many people believe that 16 year olds are too young to drive. However, many 16 to 17 year olds and their families disagree. Teens enjoy their freedom, and not all teens are stereotypically “wild” or “out of hand” on the road. I believe this because first of all, if the driving age were to be raised, it would limits teens’ options for the future and or present. Next, it gives teens more independence, and teaches them about responsibility. Lastly teens can transport themselves and get where they need to be. The cons to raising the driving age outweigh the pros.

One reason is that not being able to drive at an earlier age limits teens. For example, as stated on howtoadult.com, ”Many teens are busy with extracurricular activities, jobs, volunteer work and socializing. When teens younger than 18 can't drive themselves to and from these activities, those responsibilities fall onto their parents, who may not have the freedom or willingness…show more content…
For example, teens with a licence can get a job more easily than those who don't. They can transport themselves there, and get shifts that fit their schedules. Many teens get jobs to help pay for tutoring and college. Also, 16-17 year olds with a licence can drive themselves to school. This makes it easier for parents who start work early and families that don't live close to a school. In addition, the main reason that many people are against driving at 16 is because 16-17 year olds are the age group with the most accidents. However, what they don't know, is that the reason behind these accidents is inexperience. If the driving age were indeed raised, there would be just as many accidents. This is because 18 year olds would be inexperienced as well. The earlier teens learn to drive, the more time they have to gain

' 'As a teenager under 18 the effects of driving are usually more dangerous ' '.Raising the driving age to 18 would help in preventing car accidents.However,it also brings safety and experience.in this paper I will discuss the benefits of raising the driving age and the effects of not raising it.As I think raising the driving age to 18 is a benefit with less harm.while not raising it will harm lives.therefore,it should be discussed.

Futhermore,traffic accidents is affecting the lives of the future generation.I think raising the driving age to 18 plays a part in preventing massive car crashes.As its being found that the underage drivers are more likely to go into car accidents than adults ' 'Those who favor raising the driving age say that statistics show teenagers are more likely to get into accidents than adults ' '.(Palicz).I assume if we raise driving age to 18 such incidents will decrease.I also believe adults are more prepared for driving than underage…show more content…
As the driver 's attitude to safety will be within having more responsibility of driving more careful making it more easy for people to feel safe.Therefore,this case of raising the driving age

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. . 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. 

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