The question of whether the driving age should be raised to 18 has been a topic of debate for many years. Several countries have implemented this change, and the data seems to support the claim that it leads to a reduction in fatal accidents. In this article, we will explore the arguments both for and against raising the driving age to 18.
##Arguments for Raising the Driving Age
###1. Reduces Fatal Crashes
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted a study that found the rate of fatal crashes per mile driven is nearly 3 times higher for teenagers aged 16 to 19 than for drivers over the age of 20. It is believed that increasing the driving age to 18 could help lower the overall rate of fatal crashes.
###2. Promotes Active Participation
It is thought that removing the option to drive will cause more teenagers to engage in alternative activities such as walking, biking, or using public transportation. This could cut back on teenage obesity levels by providing more opportunities for exercise.
###3. Provides Emotional maturity
Psychological maturity increases as we age, and it is believed 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
###1. Limitation of Transportation Options
Teens may not be as physically active as they should be, but they are 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.
###2. Skew Crash统计数据 towards 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.
##Raising the driving age to 18 has been shown to have some benefits, including a reduction in fatal accidents and promoting emotional maturity. However, it is also important to consider the limited transportation options for teens and the potential skewing of crash statistics towards the new minimum age group. Ultimately, raising the driving age may be a compromise that helps protect teens from becoming involved in deadly accidents while still allowing them to develop essential life skills and independence.
Before making any decisions regarding the raising of the driving age, it is crucial to understand the potential impact on the lives of young drivers and their families.
