Assignment Question
a Persuasive Paper on why the teen driving age should be raised.
Assignment Answer
Raising the Teen Driving Age: A Safer Path Forward
Introduction
The issue of whether to raise the minimum driving age for teenagers has been a subject of debate and concern for many years. In the United States, the minimum age for obtaining a driver’s license varies from state to state but typically ranges from 16 to 18 years old. However, there is a growing body of evidence and support for the idea that the teen driving age should be raised. This essay will explore the reasons behind the call to increase the minimum driving age for teenagers, examining the potential benefits in terms of safety, social and psychological factors, and the overall well-being of young drivers and society as a whole.
I. Safety Concerns
A. High Accident Rates Among Teen Drivers
One of the primary reasons to consider raising the teen driving age is the alarmingly high accident rates among teenage drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States (NHTSA, 2020). In 2019, there were 2,375 teenagers aged 13-19 killed in motor vehicle crashes, and an estimated 143,545 teenagers were injured in motor vehicle crashes (NHTSA, 2020). These statistics highlight the significant risks associated with teenage driving.
B. Lack of Experience and Maturity
Teenagers are often characterized by their lack of experience and maturity, which can lead to poor decision-making and risk-taking behaviors while driving. Research has shown that the prefrontal cortex, the region of the brain responsible for decision-making and impulse control, continues to develop into a person’s mid-20s (Casey et al., 2008). This delayed brain development can affect a teenager’s ability to assess risks effectively and make responsible decisions while driving.
C. Distractions and Peer Pressure
Teenagers are more susceptible to distractions while driving, including texting, talking on the phone, and interacting with friends in the car. The presence of peers can also exert peer pressure, leading young drivers to engage in risky behaviors, such as speeding or showing off behind the wheel (Simons-Morton et al., 2016). These distractions and peer pressures increase the likelihood of accidents involving teenage drivers.
II. International Comparisons
A. Comparing Minimum Driving Ages Worldwide
To better understand the potential benefits of raising the minimum driving age, it is instructive to examine international comparisons. Many countries have set their minimum driving ages higher than the United States. For example, in most European countries, the minimum driving age is 18, while in Japan and Australia, it is 18 and 17, respectively (International Transport Forum, 2020). These countries have experienced lower rates of teenage accidents and fatalities, suggesting that higher minimum driving ages may contribute to improved road safety.
B. Lessons from New Zealand
New Zealand provides a compelling case study. In 2011, New Zealand raised its minimum driving age from 15 to 16. The decision was based on concerns about the safety of young drivers and their elevated accident rates (New Zealand Transport Agency, 2011). After the policy change, there was a noticeable reduction in the number of teenage drivers involved in accidents. New Zealand’s experience demonstrates that increasing the minimum driving age can lead to positive safety outcomes.
III. Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Programs
A. The Role of GDL Programs
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) programs have been implemented in many states in the United States as a means of addressing the safety concerns associated with teenage drivers. These programs typically involve a multi-stage approach to obtaining a driver’s license, with various restrictions and requirements at each stage. While GDL programs have proven to be effective in reducing teenage accidents (Foss et al., 2014), they may not go far enough in addressing the inherent risks associated with teen driving.
B. Limitations of GDL Programs
GDL programs can be seen as a step in the right direction, but they have limitations. First, compliance with GDL restrictions can be challenging to enforce, and many young drivers may not adhere to them. Second, GDL programs may not address the issue of maturity and decision-making, which can only be improved with age and experience. Finally, some argue that a uniform increase in the minimum driving age nationwide would be a more effective approach than the current patchwork of GDL programs.
IV. Social and Psychological Considerations
A. Impact on Academic Performance
Teenagers often face significant academic pressures, and the responsibilities of driving can sometimes have a negative impact on their academic performance. With school, homework, extracurricular activities, and part-time jobs, young drivers may find it challenging to balance their time effectively. By raising the minimum driving age, teenagers could potentially have more time to focus on their studies and extracurricular activities.
B. Reduced Peer Dependency
Driving represents a significant milestone of independence for teenagers. However, it can also lead to increased peer dependency as young drivers often transport their friends. This reliance on peers for transportation can interfere with the development of individual decision-making skills and self-sufficiency. Raising the driving age could encourage teenagers to rely less on their peers for transportation and foster greater independence.
C. Decreased Financial Burden
Owning and maintaining a vehicle can be expensive, and teenagers may not have the financial means to cover these costs. By delaying the age at which individuals can obtain a driver’s license, young adults may have more time to save money and better understand the financial responsibilities associated with vehicle ownership. This delay could ultimately result in more financially responsible young drivers.
V. Counterarguments
A. Impact on Employment Opportunities
One counterargument to raising the minimum driving age is that it could limit teenagers’ employment opportunities. Many part-time jobs, especially in rural areas or places with limited public transportation, require employees to have access to a car. Raising the driving age might restrict teenagers’ ability to secure such employment, potentially affecting their financial independence.
B. Inconvenience for Parents
Parents often rely on their teenagers to help with family transportation, such as driving younger siblings to school or extracurricular activities. Raising the driving age could increase the burden on parents to provide transportation for their children, making it more challenging for them to manage their own responsibilities and schedules.
C. Impact on Rural Areas
In rural areas with limited public transportation options, the ability to drive is often considered essential. Raising the driving age could disproportionately affect young people in these areas, limiting their access to education, employment, and other opportunities.
Conclusion
The question of whether to raise the minimum driving age for teenagers is a complex and multifaceted issue. While there are valid concerns about potential drawbacks, such as limitations on employment opportunities and inconveniences for parents, the evidence supporting an increase in the minimum driving age is compelling. High accident rates among teenage drivers, coupled with the impact of immaturity and peer pressure, provide strong reasons to reconsider the current age requirements.
International comparisons, particularly with countries that have higher minimum driving ages and lower teenage accident rates, suggest that raising the driving age can be an effective way to improve road safety. Additionally, the social and psychological benefits, such as reduced peer dependency and increased academic focus, provide further rationale for this policy change.
In light of these considerations, policymakers and stakeholders should engage in a thoughtful and evidence-based discussion on the merits of raising the minimum driving age for teenagers. It is essential to strike a balance between road safety, individual freedoms, and practical considerations, but the evidence strongly suggests that a reevaluation of the current minimum driving age is warranted to protect the lives and well-being of young drivers and the public at large.
References
Casey, B. J., Jones, R. M., & Somerville, L. H. (2008). Braking and accelerating of the adolescent brain. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 21(1), 21-33.
Foss, R. D., Goodwin, A. H., McCartt, A. T., & Hellinga, L. A. (2014). Short-term effects of a teenage driver cell phone restriction. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 72, 302-309.
International Transport Forum. (2020). International Traffic Safety Data and Analysis Group (IRTAD) Annual Report 2020. OECD Publishing.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2020). Traffic Safety Facts: Teenagers. U.S. Department of Transportation.
New Zealand Transport Agency. (2011). Raising the minimum licensing age.
Simons-Morton, B. G., Ouimet, M. C., Zhang, Z., Klauer, S. E., Lee, S. E., Wang, J., & Dingus, T. A. (2016). The effect of passengers and risk-taking friends on risky driving and crashes/near crashes among novice teenagers. Journal of Adolescent Health, 59(5), 581-587.
