During 2007, there were 205.7 million licensed drivers in the U.S.. In 2008 there has been over 50,000 fatal crashes, 1% of which have been drivers age 15 to age 20. Though 12% of these accidents involved adolescents, should the driving age be raised? Presently the minimum driving age in the United States is 16 years old. Some 16 year olds do lack the maturity and responsibility to drive, but the driving age does not need to be changed and maybe the driving course itself needs to be renewed. So young drivers will have no leeway for silly mistakes they may stumble upon, and give irresponsible teens the guidance they need to stay safe. When it come to teen driving in general, a broad view of the situation is essential. Common
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“Most prior studies on graduated drivers licenses have only looked at 16 year olds.” said Scott Masten a motor vehicle researcher. Focusing on only 16 year olds, is obstructing the view of the teenage driving community. The fact that 16 years old is the minimum diving in the U.S. hardly means that every 16 year old is driving recklessly or even driving for that matter. Eighteen and nineteen year olds, seem to be offsetting the crashes documented over a 21 year period , instead of 16 year olds said Dr. Masten. Around 75% of the fatal crashes were caused by teens over 17. The minimum driving age is far from being the problem, the problem in all actuality is what comes after the age of 16 when teens actually acquire driving freedom. Which is where education should come back into play. Teachers and instructors need to teach drivers to self-regulate, to prevent the act out when authority is absent. They basically just need someone to guide them through a responsible path. Although many drivers believe that teens are just not ready for the open road. That a few more years of sitting back will lessen driver fatalities in younger people. They have to consider that young drivers also have to earn from their own experiences. Raising the minimum driving age to 18 just pushes the fatal crash results further, it could raise the driving mortality rate of 20 year
“Most prior studies on graduated drivers licenses have only looked at 16 year olds.” said Scott Masten a motor vehicle researcher. Focusing on only 16 year olds, is obstructing the view of the teenage driving community. The fact that 16 years old is the minimum diving in the U.S. hardly means that every 16 year old is driving recklessly or even driving for that matter. Eighteen and nineteen year olds, seem to be offsetting the crashes documented over a 21 year period , instead of 16 year olds said Dr. Masten. Around 75% of the fatal crashes were caused by teens over 17. The minimum driving age is far from being the problem, the problem in all actuality is what comes after the age of 16 when teens actually acquire driving freedom. Which is where education should come back into play. Teachers and instructors need to teach drivers to self-regulate, to prevent the act out when authority is absent. They basically just need someone to guide them through a responsible path. Although many drivers believe that teens are just not ready for the open road. That a few more years of sitting back will lessen driver fatalities in younger people. They have to consider that young drivers also have to earn from their own experiences. Raising the minimum driving age to 18 just pushes the fatal crash results further, it could raise the driving mortality rate of 20 year