When you get your drivers license, a whole new world of possibilities opens up. You now have the freedom to go wherever you want without relying on someone for a ride. However, the problem is you have to wait until 16 to get a driver license. Why should teenagers have to wait so long? Should the driving age be lowered to allow teengeers to experience the freedom they miss out on earlier?
The age to start driving was chosen for a reason, by the time teengagers are 16 they need to gain their own experiences while driving, but still stay safe. The decision to allow teenagers to get their license was made in 1926. LIfe back then was very different, and society has evolved significantly since then. So why have we kept 16 as the legal driving age?
“There is a certain amount of maturity and thought process that teenagers don’t have… the brain isn’t fully developed until age 25 and that part of the brain is one that suppresses impulses and weighs consequences,” said James Brooke, a driver’s ed teacher at Arlington High school.
Many believe that teenagers shouldn’t be driving because they lack the mental abilities to be safe on the roads. The roads can be dangerous if drivers are not safe, if you’re going to be driving, you’re expected to respect the laws of the road. Teenagers can join drivers ed as early as 15, this allows inexperienced drivers to gain the knowledge to become safe on the roads before getting their license.
“I don’t think (the driving age) should be lowered, because if you go younger, you’re gonna have more kids that are not mature for cars,” Tanner Bjorson, a fifteen year old who is currently enrolled in Arlington High School’s drivers ed program.
Maturity is not the only factor of poor driving. A large part of driving is skill. Not knowing the rules of the road largely impact how safe of a driver you are. You can be any age, but still lack the capabilities to be a good driver. Drivers ed gives 15 year old the opportunity to experience driving
“If you just wait until you’re aged 18 or 20, you would still be making the same mistakes that you’ll be making at age 16. It’s the process of gaining experience and the thoughts. Those type of things are what will make a difference,” Brookes said
Not everyone shares the same belief on driving, many individuals who haven’t experienced driving yet want the driving age to be lowered. They are unaware of the dangers of driving and the responsibility it brings.
“I personally think it can be lowered, if they can handle the accountability of driving at a younger age,” Daraina Lara, who is 14 and eagerly waiting to start driving said.
Driving is a major part of life, people depend on it every day. It’s also a skill that has to be practiced to become good at. You must be able to handle the responsibility of what you’re taking on and be safe.
“It’s the experience that makes the difference, ” Brookes said.
