Driving is often considered a rite of passage for teenagers. In many cultures, including the United States, the ability to operate a car is a symbolic transition from adolescence to adulthood. However, as much as this significant milestone is a privilege, it also comes with a set of responsibilities that require maturity. Some argue that teens are simply not developmentally ready, lacking the necessary driving experience to practice responsible behavior on the road. This argument leads to the long-standing debate: Will raising the age of driving translate to safer roads?
Opponents question, why should the driving age be raised? To them, age seems like an arbitrary basis to evaluate road safety because accidents can happen to anyone anytime. While this may be a valid point, studies show that among all age groups, teen drivers aged 16-19 are at the most risk for car crashes. The excitement that comes with their newfound independence makes them prone to several risk factors, including nighttime driving, not wearing seat belts, distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In truth, both sides present compelling cases. But aside from assessing the dichotomy between increasing the driving age or sticking with existing laws, it is also imperative to recognize the stakeholders involved in the discussion. Teenage drivers, parents, driving instructors, policymakers and road safety advocates all have a significant role. These multiple perspectives all come into play to provide a comprehensive picture of what’s at stake and how everyone can come together to save lives on the road.
The current state of teen driving
While the legal driving age varies from state to state, the general minimum driving age across the country is 16. In the greater area of Seattle and throughout Washington, teen drivers should meet the following qualifications to pass the application for an intermediate driver license:
- Must be at least 16 years old and a Washington resident
- Must have completed an approved driver training course
- Must have a valid learner’s permit for at least six months
- Must not have committed traffic violations six months before the license application
- Must not have been convicted of an alcohol or drug offense while holding a learner’s permit
As safety blankets, the state also enforces restrictions, such as not allowing teen drivers under 18 to have passengers under 20 except for immediate family members for the first six months of having an intermediate license. For the succeeding six months, this restriction eases. Teen drivers can have non-family members under 20 if the number of passengers does not exceed three. Driving at night (from 1:00 am to 5:00 am) and while using wireless mobile phones are also prohibited. Only when teens turn 18 will the state automatically convert their intermediate driver’s license into a regular license.
Unfortunately, some teenagers still make dangerous decisions behind the wheel. Consequently, vehicular crashes remain to be the primary cause of death among U.S. teens. In 2020 alone, there were 227,000 motor vehicle injuries and 2,800 fatalities across the country. Overall, teen drivers are three times more likely to die in a crash than 20-year-olds or older. So, should the driving age be raised to address these dreadful findings? Proponents claim it can be a solution to protect the youth and everyone else around them.
The case for raising the driving age
Science backs up the claim of supporters of the increased driving age, contending that teen drivers are too impulsive to make rational choices on the road. Adolescent neurocognitive brain development studies show that the brains of young drivers, between 16 to 25, have an imbalanced socioemotional reward system (SERP) and cognitive control (CC) system.
The experience of getting their first driver’s license is a highly exhilarating life event. However, despite this rewarding exploration, they are still operating in an unfamiliar territory because they have yet to develop the neural capability to form safe and reasonable actions.
With increasingly more teen drivers involved in accidents, insurance rates can also soar. Insurance companies recognize the skills gap of a learning driver due to their insufficient exposure to different road conditions or scenarios of varying levels of complexity.
Due to these heightened risks, insurance premiums can dramatically rise when a teen driver is part of the policy. As a result, insurance costs can financially impact the entire household because a teenager may still be studying and not have the means to pay. It will be wise for families to consult an auto accident lawyer for better understanding of legal information and averting unwanted consequences.
The case against raising the driving age
Having limited mobility is the immediate impact when the law sticks to the status quo with drivers as young as 16 years old legally allowed to operate a car. They may have to resort to education and job opportunities only near their homes to avoid the struggles of commuting and saving for additional expenditures.
Restricted mobility can also extend to the teen drivers’ loved ones. For instance, if they are not allowed to drive, they cannot take their incapacitated or elderly relatives around town for daily activities. In effect, the family may opt to hire private services or take public transit, which may result in financial burdens due to increased transportation expenses.
But as much as teen drivers can significantly affect the dialogue on this contentious issue, other points of view also matter.
The stakeholders in consideration
Parents are the first and most crucial role models of any teenager. They have a direct influence on their child’s upbringing and how they can eventually become responsible adults. Regardless of their stand on whether driving age should be increased, parents must always take a proactive approach to setting the necessary house rules to safeguard their teen driver’s future on the road.
The mission of helping teenagers become trustworthy drivers also rests upon driving instructors. As the parents’ ally, they can offer valuable insights in gauging whether a young driver is ready to hit the road or still needs further guidance.
Beyond family dynamics, policymakers can provide a macroeconomic view of the situation. They have the power to create and pass legislation that can impact the entire community. For example, public policy may depend on the type of area in question. With more teens driving in developed cities, traffic congestion poses a major concern. However, in rural areas, being allowed to drive may be an urgent necessity due to poor or lack of public transit.
Further, road safety critics can make their voices heard in the legal discourse on whether driving age should be increased. They can initiate engaging and educational forums, highlighting the importance of safe driving. These can be platforms for teens to ask their burning questions, resulting in informed decision-making to help prevent potential injuries, fatalities and car accident lawsuits.
The holistic perspective
In conclusion, there is no straight answer to the question, should the age for driving be raised? Age may be a factor, but it is not all there is to it. Raising the driving age is a multifaceted debate requiring a comprehensive consideration of all risk factors and perspectives involved. It is critical to weigh all safety, economic and legal aspects before they escalate. When faced with a settlement battle, an armor worth considering is the counsel of a trusted Seattle lawyer. If you are wondering, ‘Is it worth getting an attorney for a car accident,’ consulting with a legal professional can provide clarity and support for your specific situation.
