Argumentative Essay: Should The Driving Age Be Raised?

Most teens look forward to getting their license when they turn 16. However, some would argue that the driving age should be raised. Statistics have demonstrated time and time again that this is very unreasonable and impractical. A raise in the driving age will in result negative repercussions such as the growth of crash rates, the issue of adults being just as much of a danger as teens on the road being raised, and the notion that some drivers will drive with or without a license.
It has been shown that raising the driving age to 18 can increase the fatal crash rate among 18-year-olds. In Anahad O'Connor's informational article, "Teenage Driving Laws May Just Delay Deadly Crashes", one consequence of raising driving age is shown; "The study, published Wednesday in The Journal of the American

Medical Association, found that since the first graduated driver programs were instituted, there have been 1,348 fewer deadly crashes involving 16-year-old drivers. But at the same time, there have been 1,086 more fatal crashes that involved 18-year-olds." Another study in Anahad O'Conner's article analyzes the effects of New Jersey's law, which indicates that all drivers under 21 must undergo a graduated driver program. "New Jersey's tough laws may have just shifted the effect to 21-year-olds, similar to the way tough restrictions on 16- and 17-year-olds were followed by a spike in deadly crashes among 18-year-olds in other states." This clearly demonstrates how no matter the age restrictions or limits placed on driving, some drivers will go to any length to avoid attending a graduated driver program.
Secondly, the age for teen driving should not be restricted because adults on the road could be in just as much danger as teen drivers.

Studies show that the crash rate for drivers ages 15-20 is lower than the percentages of those who are 25-34 and 35-44. In one study done in 2008, the total of all fatal crashes for drivers who were 15-20 made up 11.9% of them, whereas the total crash rate for drivers from ages 25-34 totaled 19.8%. In addition the fatal crash rate for adults ages 35-44 amounted to 17.8%. This statistic shows that despite age drivers could still get into dangerous accidents.
Lastly, the teen driving age should not be raised because even though it may seem reasonable to ban teens from driving because of their tendency towards carelessness on the road, banning teens will not prevent them from driving. In 2008, 30% of previous recorded suspensions and revocations were of those with an invalid license. In addition, the number of previous harmful or moving conditions among invalid drivers in 2008 was an astounding 18.8%. This evidence shows that raising the driving age will not prevent teens from driving, it will simply make it

illegal.
Some may argue that the driving age should be raised because teens are too reliant on the adult drivers in the car with them during instruction and that by having instructors in the car with them, teens become lazy and oblivious when driving alone. However, this is simply an invalid argument. An example of this argument being addressed can be found in Anahad O’Connor’s article, “They make simple mistakes, like failing to scan the road, misjudging driving conditions and becoming distracted. Some of these problems can be addressed through what experts call narrative driving: having adult drivers point out to teenage passengers examples of unsafe driving,” This shows a strong example of the ways in which having an adult driver can benefit the teen; by instilling a sense of accountability and awareness.
In conclusion, the driving age should not be changed for a multitude of reasons. These reasons include: the increase in fatalities as a result of skipping graduated driving programs, the argument that teens are no more dangerous on the road than adult drivers, and the evidence of how making stricter laws will lead to more invalid driver mishaps.