The legal driving age has been a constant debate and every few years another log is thrown onto the fire. Should we really raise the legal age to drive? Would it save lives? If so, how high should we raise it? Currently, most states allow for teen drivers to apply for a driver’s permit 6 months after their 15th birthday. Some say this is way too soon.
Teen Driving is Deadly
It’s an unfortunate truth, but auto accidents are the leading cause of death among teenagers. A 16-year-old is almost twice as likely to die in a car crash than a 30-year-old. And with new issues such as cell phone driving, texting while driving, and other forms of distracted driving, there is good reason to debate this issue. If we can take the most dangerous drivers off the road, we will not only save the lives of young adults, but we will also make the roadways safer for everyone else.
But Driving is Deadly for all Age Groups
As stated, the leading cause of death for 15 to 24-year-olds is auto accidents. They are the only age group where this is true.
However, car crashes are the leading cause of accidental death in all age groups over 4 years old! Let’s face it, 15 to 24-year-olds aren’t plagued with disease and sickness like older folks are. So it’s only natural that their leading cause of death will be accidental, and will also be the leading accidental death for nearly every age group. So the stats aren’t exactly cut and dry.
The bottom line is that driving is dangerous for ALL ages, not just teens.
Is it Age or Inexperience? Consider These Points.
Is age really the biggest factor to consider? If we raise the legal driving age to, say, 17 years old, wouldn’t 17-year-olds have the highest accident rate simply due to lack of experience? Many argue that our decision-making skills aren’t fully developed at 16 (the legal age at which a license can actually be obtained). However, this is mostly unsubstantiated evidence and since every person develops differently, a blanketed law is going to punish those who are ready.
I’m a truck driver and see this with new truckers. The legal age to receive a commercial driver’s license is 18 years old, but most don’t obtain their commercial driver’s license until after the age of 21. The most dangerous truck drivers on the road are those with under 2 years of experience, regardless of age. It’s likely that if we simply raise the driving age, we will only shift the “problem drivers” to a higher age bracket.
By the way, be sure to check out these tips for driving around semi trucks
Major Issues with Raising the Legal Driving Age
Aside from young teens hating the idea, do we really want our teens dependent upon us for everything? Do we really want to chauffeur our teens everywhere, up until the point they graduate high school, go off to college, or even join the military?
Getting a driver’s license is a ‘right of passage’ so to speak. We have to “let go” at some point or another. Most teens don’t have access to public transit. We need to let them have some freedom. We need to let them get jobs. We need to let them grow up. And learning to drive is one of the very first steps into adulthood. The world is a dangerous place, but we must “let go” at some point.
A Graduated Solution
Every child and every teenager develops in their own unique way. Instead of forcing the government to make blanketed laws, let’s leave things the way they are and force parents to be parents. Allow mom and dad to decide if their child should drive or not. Who knows a teenager better than the teenagers guardian?
Most states have developed a “graduated licensing” program, which has proven to be successful. This includes more time behind the wheel with a supervised and licensed adult, more classroom time, and zero tolerance policies for traffic violations (a violation could result in further training or even license revocation).
Limiting forms of distracted driving is also a good idea. Some states have a graduated rider program. At first, no passengers are allowed unless it’s an adult. After some experience, they can bring more passengers on board. Zero tolerance cell phone use and driving curfew laws have also proven to be successful.
Traditionally, we have given full license privileges to 16 year olds. Instead of simply raising the driving age, we should continue to implement programs which slowly gives more driving privileges to teens as they prove themselves to be safe, trustworthy drivers. Let’s treat this as an experience issue, not an age issue.
Sometimes Life is Worth the Risks
We all live a fine line in life. Just about everything we do is dangerous. We could slip and fall in the shower, get hit by a car crossing the street, or die while riding a roller coaster. Does that mean we shouldn’t do anything in life that is remotely dangerous? Of course not.
Giving teens the ability to drive will give them invaluable life experiences. Yes, driving is risky. It’s risky no matter our age. But driving is one of those things we just can’t avoid in modern society, and teens should be able to experience the world with the freedom driving brings.
Limiting Risks is the Answer
Instead of blanket driving bans or raising the driving age, we should instead find ways to make the transition into adulthood safer for teens. Graduated driver’s license programs have greatly increased safety for teen drivers, along with safer cars, zero-tolerance laws for alcohol and distracted driving, curfews, better driver’s education, and more parental oversight with safe driving apps, dashcams, and GPS tracking.
Instead of arbitrarily raising the driving age, we should continue to explore and research ways to improve driving safety for teens as well as the overall motoring public.
Is the perfect answer? Not by a long shot. However, simply raising the driving age is not necessarily going to make roads safer. This is a fair compromise between safety, and giving teens the freedom they should be able to experience.
FAQs
It's Safer The rate of fatal crashes per mile driven is around half as high for teens aged 18 or 19 as for 16- and 17-year-olds. 1 It is thought that raising the driving age to 18 could help lower the overall rate of fatal crashes.
Should the minimum driving age be changed? ›
By raising the legal minimum driving age to 21 years old, it gives the developing brains of teenagers a chance to gain more experience of driving and life in general. The outlook of a 21-year-old who has perhaps worked for three years or been to university is very different to one that has just left school.
Should the driving age be raised to twenty one? ›
Raising the legal age for driving from 16 to 21 will definitely save thousands of teenagers annually from a premature death and almost a quarter-of-a-million more from injuries in car wrecks. Even a modest increase in the legal driving age to 18 would save lives.
Why the driving age should stay the same? ›
Raising the legal minimum driving age to 18 would help lower the number of accidents involving teens by cutting the amount of teenage drivers on the road in half. Obviously it would be objected by teens who want to drive as soon as they can, but in the long run it could save their lives.
Why 16 year olds should not be allowed to drive? ›
Teen drivers, particularly 16- and 17-year-olds, have high fatal crash rates because of their immaturity and limited driving experience, which often result in high-risk behavior behind the wheel. Peer pressure is an especially potent factor.
Should the driving age be lowered to 16? ›
Lowering the driving age would cause more accidents, increased traffic, and a higher risk of injury for young drivers. People must wait until they are 18 before getting their driver's license to help them become better drivers. So, in conclusion, the government should not lower the age to 16 and keep it at 18.
Why Should the driving age be lowered to 14? ›
There are some reasonable arguments for lowering the driving age to 14. For example, having a driver's license would give younger teens more autonomy and the ability to assist their parents with errands. Additionally, younger drivers tend to have: Quicker reaction times and more navigational agility.
Can 17 year olds drive? ›
Must be at least seventeen (17) years old. For foreigners, at least eighteen (18) years old. Must be able to read and write in Filipino and/or English. Must be a holder of Student-Driver's Permit valid for at least one (1) month from issuance.
Should the driving age be raised UK? ›
Around one in four (23 per cent) agree that the minimum age for licence holders should be increased to 18 while one in five (21) per cent think it should be raised to 21. Young drivers (aged 17-25) are more likely to be involved in a crash than those in any other age group.
Why should the driving age stay at 17? ›
It will delay the gaining of valuable experience
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.
You can actually drive a car when you are 16 if you get, or have applied for, the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The DVLA will confirm your details with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Why children should not drive? ›
As parents, we need to understand that although our children feel thrilled by driving a vehicle, their brain isn't mature enough to handle that 'thrill'. Children may invariably make mistakes while handling the throttle, gears, steering, clutch, and brake.
Why is it important to have a driver's license? ›
Your license identifies you as a legal licensed driver
Everyone knows that if you are pulled over by a police officer and you cannot produce your license you will receive a heavy fine. Think of it this way – without your license in your wallet you have no right to operate a vehicle on a public road.
Can a student driver drive alone? ›
Student drivers are required by law to be accompanied by a licensed driver when driving a vehicle. This means you can't drive alone if you have a student permit only. The LTO fine is PHP 3,000 for those who violate this rule.
What are the benefits of lowering the driving age? ›
The legal driving age should be changed because it allows teens to master the ability to drive correctly and safely by having additional time to gain experience. In fact, it will let teens have more time to reach maturity and understand the responsibilities of driving.
What can I do legally at 16? ›
This unofficial (and in no way recommended) guide.
- 1) Register to Vote. ...
- 3) Leave Home. ...
- 4) Get Frisky. ...
- 5) Apply for a Passport. ...
- 6) Drink (in extreme moderation) ...
- 7) Join the Army (with parental consent) ...
- 8) Buy a Pet. ...
- 9) Buy a Lottery Ticket.
You can petition for emancipation—meaning assuming adulthood for yourself—at age 16. In terms of the law you are an adult at 18, though for crimes like murder 16 and 17 year olds can be automatically tried as adults.
Why 16 year olds should not be allowed to drive? ›
Teen drivers, particularly 16- and 17-year-olds, have high fatal crash rates because of their immaturity and limited driving experience, which often result in high-risk behavior behind the wheel. Peer pressure is an especially potent factor.
Should driving age be lowered to 16? ›
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.
Can 17 year olds drive? ›
Must be at least seventeen (17) years old. For foreigners, at least eighteen (18) years old. Must be able to read and write in Filipino and/or English. Must be a holder of Student-Driver's Permit valid for at least one (1) month from issuance.
Help prevent road traffic accidents
- Avoiding over-speeding and following speed limits.
- Avoiding drunken driving.
- Using helmets by two-wheeler drivers.
- Using seat belts and child restraints in cars.
- Improving visibility, appropriate headlights and road lightings.
As parents, we need to understand that although our children feel thrilled by driving a vehicle, their brain isn't mature enough to handle that 'thrill'. Children may invariably make mistakes while handling the throttle, gears, steering, clutch, and brake.
Why is it important to have a driver's license? ›
Your license identifies you as a legal licensed driver
Everyone knows that if you are pulled over by a police officer and you cannot produce your license you will receive a heavy fine. Think of it this way – without your license in your wallet you have no right to operate a vehicle on a public road.
Can a student driver drive alone? ›
Student drivers are required by law to be accompanied by a licensed driver when driving a vehicle. This means you can't drive alone if you have a student permit only. The LTO fine is PHP 3,000 for those who violate this rule.
Why Should the driving age be 14? ›
There are some reasonable arguments for lowering the driving age to 14. For example, having a driver's license would give younger teens more autonomy and the ability to assist their parents with errands. Additionally, younger drivers tend to have: Quicker reaction times and more navigational agility.
Why should 14 year olds drive? ›
Driving and Teens. A driver's license is one of the biggest status symbols among high school students, and getting a driver's license makes the adolescent feel more independent. Parents no longer have to do the driving - the teen can get places on his or her own.
What are the benefits of lowering the driving age? ›
The legal driving age should be changed because it allows teens to master the ability to drive correctly and safely by having additional time to gain experience. In fact, it will let teens have more time to reach maturity and understand the responsibilities of driving.
What is the youngest driving age? ›
South Dakota, North Dakota and Montana have the lowest age to drive in the USA where a full license can be issued at just 16 years old.
Can a 13 year old drive in Texas? ›
In Texas, one must be 14 to begin classroom instruction for a learner's license and 15 to receive that provisional license to drive with an instructor or licensed adult in the vehicle. Department of Public Safety Sgt. Victor Taylor said it would be illegal for a 13-year-old to drive on public roads.
What is the youngest driving age in the world? ›
Africa. you can obtain a learners license and legally allowed to drive with supervision at age 15.
Over 90% of automobile accidents can be avoided. By following the speed limit, staying focused on driving, stopping at stop signs and red lights, and avoiding the temptation to drink and drive, you can make the roads a safer place.
What can government do to reduce road accidents? ›
Licensing and authorizing of worthy vehicles on the road.
This is to avoid road accidents as well as preventing reckless driving on the road. A vehicle that also does not meet the respective road safety standards must not be allowed on the roads.
How can we prevent road accidents essay? ›
IMPORTANT WAYS TO AVOID ACCIDENTS
- Drive in the prescribed speed limits on the various roads. ...
- Always put on helmets, seat belts and other safety equipments before driving a bicycle/ motor cycle/vehicle. ...
- Do not drink and drive. ...
- Never use mobile phones or ear phones while driving.
