thesis statement for raising the driving age to 18

Essay Service Examples Social Issues Driving Age

Raising the Driving Age to 18: Persuasive Essay

• Proper editing and formatting
• Free revision, title page, and bibliography
• Flexible prices and money-back guarantee

Our writers will provide you with an essay sample written from scratch: any topic, any deadline, any instructions.

Cite this paper

Related essay topics.

Get your paper done in as fast as 3 hours, 24/7.

Related articles

Most popular essays

• Driving Age

Research shows that the crash rate of drivers aged 16-17 years is nearly double than that of...

It has been statistically proven that teens are the most dangerous and reckless drivers in the...

• 19th Century
• Civil Rights Movement
• Women’s Rights

In the late 19th century, British women fought for suffrage. Decades later, cross the Atlantic,...

• Social Responsibility

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a form of total self-regulation of private business that...

• Animal Cruelty

Recently I saw a piece of very sad news on social media that is become very major in the world....

• First Amendment
• Racism in America

The issue that I have chosen off isidewith.com is just under the title of “First Amendment.” The...

Altruism can appear in different forms. Whether it’s donating to a charity or volunteering, it is...

The challenges women face today is nothing short of the barriers that women have faced since the...

Terrorist groups throughout the world began to form and exercise their religious, political, or...

Join our 150k of happy users

• Get original paper written according to your instructions
• Save time for what matters most

Fair Use Policy

EduBirdie considers academic integrity to be the essential part of the learning process and does not support any violation of the academic standards. Should you have any questions regarding our Fair Use Policy or become aware of any violations, please do not hesitate to contact us via [email protected].

We are here 24/7 to write your paper in as fast as 3 hours.

Provide your email, and we'll send you this sample!

By providing your email, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Say goodbye to copy-pasting!

Get custom-crafted papers for you.

Enter your email, and we'll promptly send you the full essay. No need to copy piece by piece. It's in your inbox!

Home — Essay Samples — Social Issues — Driving Age — Should The Driving Age Be Raised To 18: Argumentative

Should The Driving Age Be Raised to 18: Argumentative

• Categories: Driving Age

About this sample

Words: 472 |

Updated: 23 November, 2023

Words: 472 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Works Cited

• Afifi, T. O., Henriksen, C. A., Asmundson, G. J., & Sareen, J. (2012). Childhood maltreatment and substance use disorders among men and women in a nationally representative sample. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 57(11), 677-686.
• Anda, R. F., Felitti, V. J., Bremner, J. D., Walker, J. D., Whitfield, C., Perry, B. D., . . . Giles, W. H. (2006). The enduring effects of abuse and related adverse experiences in childhood: A convergence of evidence from neurobiology and epidemiology. European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, 256(3), 174-186.
• Bensley, L. S., Van Eenwyk, J., & Simmons, K. W. (2000). Self-reported childhood sexual and physical abuse and adult HIV-risk behaviors and heavy drinking. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 18(2), 151-158.
• Davis, C. G., Lehman, D. R., Wortman, C. B., Silver, R. C., & Thompson, S. C. (1995). The undoing of traumatic life events. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 21(2), 109-124.
• De Bellis, M. D. (2002). Developmental traumatology: The psychobiological development of maltreated children and its implications for research, treatment, and policy. Development and Psychopathology, 14(4), 747-776.
• Kendler, K. S., Kuhn, J. W., & Prescott, C. A. (2004). Childhood sexual abuse, stressful life events and risk for major depression in women. Psychological Medicine, 34(8), 1475-1482.
• Poulton, R., Caspi, A., Milne, B. J., Thomson, W. M., Taylor, A., Sears, M. R., & Moffitt, T. E. (2002). Association between children's experience of socioeconomic disadvantage and adult health: A life-course study. The Lancet, 360(9346), 1640-1645.
• Rapsey, C. M., Scott, K. M., & Patterson, T. (2018). Long-term effects of childhood abuse on the quality of life and health of older people: Results from the Depression and Early Prevention of Suicide in General Practice Project. Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect, 30(5), 372-386.
• Silver, R. C., Boon, C., & Stones, M. H. (1985). Searching for meaning in misfortune: Making sense of incest. Journal of Social Issues, 41(1), 81-102.

Video Version

Cite this Essay

To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below:

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Dr. Heisenberg

Verified writer

• Expert in: Social Issues

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

5 pages / 2157 words

2 pages / 1103 words

4 pages / 1796 words

2 pages / 684 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Driving Age

The topic of raising the driving age has sparked numerous debates and discussions in recent years. Advocates for raising the driving age argue that it would enhance road safety by reducing accidents involving young drivers. [...]

Have you ever found yourself gripping the wheel tightly, heart pounding, as you navigate through a sea of traffic filled with inexperienced teenage drivers? The debate over whether the driving age should be raised is a [...]

Getting a driver’s license is a huge milestone for a teenager and can be considered a rite of passage. In the United States the legal age requirement for a driver’s license varies from state to state. Many states have the [...]

The debate surrounding the minimum age requirement for obtaining a driver's license has sparked controversy for years. While the legal driving age is currently 18 in most countries, there is a growing argument that the driving [...]

According to a new research, teenagers are found to be eight times more likely to be involved in a car accident in the three months after passing their driving test. This is an alarming news for parents especially when you want [...]

The recorded history of capital punishment on American soil dates back more than 400 years. The first execution of an Englishman, in what is now the United States, was that of Captain George Kendall, which took place in [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

• Spring 2022

Unpopular opinion: The legal driving age should be increased

by Marla Rowley , Reporter March 24, 2022

The leading cause of death among teens… car accidents. The controversy around raising the driving age has remained a hot topic with safety experts, politicians, and drivers. As the number of car accidents remains a constant issue in today’s society, Some advocate that the legal driving age will prevent road accidents. 

In many ways, I agree.  Driving has changed significantly.

In some states, drivers can earn their learner’s permit when they’re as young as 14. In most European countries, the minimal driving age is 18, which results in fewer deaths and accidents. With America having millions of yearly accidents and considered one of the most dangerous countries to drive, is it ethical to continue allowing teenagers to drive so young?

Over a decade ago, Maryland senators proposed a bill to raise the legal driving age to 18 in order to reduce teen traffic deaths. This law is a three-stage licensing process where people can receive their permit at 16 and a full unrestricted license at 18. Many disagreed with this bill, saying that drivers wouldn’t be any more prepared at 18 compared to being 16. 

Many teens condemn the idea of having to wait even longer to begin driving. They enjoy the freedom and flexibility it gives them. Having the ability to drive allows them to manage their schedules better and not rely on a family members to drive them around.

However, teens tend to underestimate the dangers of driving and make more reckless decisions due to having underdeveloped brains. 

Distracted Driving

Teens are much more prone to distracted driving. From playing music too loud, having distractive passengers, drinking, and texting, 16- year-olds are more susceptible to being in an accident due to mistakes made within the vehicle. 

For example, teenagers are addicted to their phones. According to a survey done by the AAFP, one in three U.S teens text while driving.  This behavior is typically associated with other behaviors such as drunk driving, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt and other forms of distracted driving. Although, it is estimated that the actual number of teenagers who text and drive is much higher. 

Drinking and driving among teens is very common, despite drinking being illegal for people under 21. In 2019, 24% of drivers ages 15-20 were killed in a car accident after drinking . Teenagers’ lack of driving experience along with drinking and taking drugs heightens the risk for crashes. 

Thrill of Reckless Driving

In addition to distracted driving, teens tend to lack good decision making when it comes to driving. Adolescents are more likely to take risks and put themselves in uncertain situations . This is attributed to teens not being finished developing and immaturity. The responsibility of driving a car combined with underdeveloped brains allows for more fatal accidents. 

During teenage years, the part of the brain that controls emotion develops faster than the part that controls impulses . This accounts for more risk-taking behaviors among adolescents like speeding, swerving, and driving while distracted. At the age of 18, a teenagers brain is significantly more developed which contributes to less road accidents. 

At Linganore High School, there have been a total of four car accidents involving students this year. One of those accidents resulted in medical attention. Ted Mostoller, Linganores student resource officer, agreed that teens’ inexperience in driving results in more accidents. Younger drivers are less prepared for things such as bad weather, road rage, and traffic. 

Developing Brains

While adolescents are at higher risks of making reckless decisions while driving due to immaturity, many teens in today’s society are too emotionally unstable to be operating a vehicle. The emotional development in teens suggests that they’re likely not prepared to safely drive a vehicle at 16 without supervision. 

Despite teens being in their prime physical health, many suffer from suicidal behaviors and substance abuse. These characteristics combined with independently operating a vehicle present more risk on the road. 

In 2017, it was reported that 17% of teens in grades 9-12 thought seriously about attempting suicide, and 2.4% of teens made a suicide attempt resulting in medical attention. This is the age where most people begin driving. If such a high number of teens are experiencing suicidal thoughts, giving children the responsibility of doing something as dangerous as driving isn’t logical. Although, by the time teens graduate high school, their mental health dramatically improves making it much safer to independently operate a car. 

Reduce Road Accidents

In 2019, nearly 2,400 teens were treated for motor vehicle crashes and every day, about 7 teens die from car accidents . Teen drivers are three times more likely to be in a fatal accident compared to people over the age of 20. Inexperience, bad critical decision making, alcohol and substance abuse are all factors that put teens at risk. 

Inexperienced drivers are unavoidable since everyone has to start somewhere. Although, there are significant differences in the brain of an average 16 year old compared to an 18 year old driver. Raising the legal driving age to 18 could help lower the overall rate of fatal crashes and allow teens more time to mature before taking responsibility for driving. Regardless if you think the driving age should be increased or stay the same, teens definitely need more guidance before receiving their license. 

Do you think the driving age should be increased?

Sorry, there was an error loading this poll.

Your donation will support the student journalists of Linganore High School. Your contribution will allow us to purchase camera/recording equipment and software. We hope to raise enough money to re-start a monthly printed issue of our paper.

Comments (2)

Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Eva • Feb 6, 2024 at 10:54 pm

Anonymous • Apr 15, 2024 at 3:16 pm

• Arts & Entertainment
• Daily Announcements
• Lancer Spotlights

Teenage Drivers: Reasons of Allowing in Some States, Pros and Cons Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

This study examines the reasons why some states issue driving licenses to teenagers under the age of 18 years. Further, it looks at the pros and cons of such privileges.

It is important that driving licenses are given to drivers under the age of eighteen. I agree with the administrators in some states like New York who have such provisions to allow teenagers to drive. Standard practice is that driving licenses are issued after the recipient has passed a driving and road test. However, in others, a person can acquire a driving license before beginning to drive. In both cases though, there is a need to develop an identification criterion for such drivers. Most states use licenses and ID cards issued to those under 21 to have the chance to drive.

These licenses however should be official documents that have the picture of the driver appearing on them or a printed statement revealing the details about the driver. Like in New York the documents of underage drivers (referring to those below twenty-one years of age) are printed “Under 21” in red bold letters. Other states also use color schemes or add information such as “Under 21 until 08-15-2007” to their licenses, to aid in the identification of underage drivers.

For me, there are numerous advantages of letting minors drive. First is that this privilege exposes them to on-the-road driving, and are thus able to learn basic vehicle control skills that become relevant in their later lives. Secondly, since the driver education usually offered in these states relies much more on practical skills, teenage driving licenses are relevant for an effective graduate licensing system (this system is the official course for drivers in many states). The graduated licensing system is one in which an underage driver is allowed to drive for a period before finally proving themselves (graduating) to obtain a full driving license. This helps to reduce risks like crashes associated with this privilege.

More important is the fact that no amount of driver education will take the place of experience behind the wheel under controlled conditions. Therefore, I am of the view that the earlier the young drivers are allowed to drive the better for them. Moreover, those teenagers who know how to drive usually participate in community services like volunteer drivers in various social organizations.

Governments to benefit from this system where teenage drivers are allowed to drive. States with graduate licensing systems report that lifesaving and injury-reducing benefits of this system are well in excess of administrative costs. The idea that Parents too strongly favor teenage driving, for me, is also a strong indicator of the goodness in teenage driving and as such, the states have no choice but to accept such arrangements.

An Insurance Institute for Highway Safety surveyed parents of young drivers in California who had gone through the graduated licensing process and found that 95 percent of the parents supported a 6-month period of supervised driving. Ninety-four percent favored night driving restrictions while 97 percent of the parents said they favor a licensing system that includes all of these components. Therefore I can as well argue that many parents want their children to get driving experience and licenses early so that their duties (as parents) are lessened. That is, they no longer have to take their teenagers to school, work, or social activities.

I agree that allowing young beginners full driving privileges assists the Young drivers to get adequate time to develop the judgment to counteract their lack of on-the-road experience. Furthermore, these teenage drivers are always supervised and restricted most of the time. They are given an intermediate license that limits driving in high-risk situations except under supervision; and then a license with full privileges is issued to those who have completed the first two stages. These are usually withdrawn in case they misbehave or disobey traffic rules, belt use, alcohol use, restrictions on cell phone use. With such rules, provisions, and penalty systems in place, it is justifiable to allow teenagers to drive since they try to be responsible while driving.

The major disadvantage with teenage driving, pointed by some people, is that young drivers have particularly high crash rates. I agree with this view, however, the crashes can only be attributed to two main factors that work against young drivers: inexperience behind the wheel and immaturity. Young drivers tend to overestimate their own physical, driving abilities and underestimate the dangers on the road. Because teenagers make up the large majority of beginning drivers, it will be imperative to allow them to practice their skills to prevent these high crash rates.

Graduated licensing does delay full licensure, but studies indicate it doesn’t significantly hinder social activities. These strict rules and the restrictions for effectiveness in driving don’t reduce the crash risks because they are largely due to the combination of more difficult driving conditions and distractions to teenage drivers. if let to drive, teenagers will learn the skill to avoid crashing themselves while driving

Although prone to risks, the benefits of teenage driving far outweigh the risks. I believe that safety and competency in driving is a result of extensive practice in a wide variety of driving and traffic conditions by drivers and at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel experience. Teenage driving offers the required period of skill-building and experience before taking to the road; this is a good rule of thumb for any new driver to follow and one of the basic reasons why, according to me, States should allow teenagers to drive.

Bibliography

Foss, R. D.; Feaganes, J R; and Rodgman, E.A. Initial effects of graduated driver licensing in Michigan: Early impact on motor vehicle crashes among 16-year old drivers. Journal of the American Association 286. 2001.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Research agenda for improved novice driver education program. Washington, DC: Us Department of transportation: 1994.

• Paternalistic Laws: Term Definition
• Guns Should Be Banned in the Workplace
• Public Health Challenge: Underage Drinking
• Gender and Age of Californian Drivers Involved in Fatal Crashes
• Adolescent Drinking and Driving
• Civil Liberties and Student Rights: Morse v. Frederick
• Administration of Justice: America History
• Contract Law in Different Countries
• Police Liability Issues and High Speed Pursuits
• Why Is It Just to Break an Unjust Law?
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2021, October 19). Teenage Drivers: Reasons of Allowing in Some States, Pros and Cons. https://ivypanda.com/essays/teenage-drivers-reasons-of-allowing-in-some-states-pros-and-cons/

"Teenage Drivers: Reasons of Allowing in Some States, Pros and Cons." IvyPanda , 19 Oct. 2021, ivypanda.com/essays/teenage-drivers-reasons-of-allowing-in-some-states-pros-and-cons/.

IvyPanda . (2021) 'Teenage Drivers: Reasons of Allowing in Some States, Pros and Cons'. 19 October.

IvyPanda . 2021. "Teenage Drivers: Reasons of Allowing in Some States, Pros and Cons." October 19, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/teenage-drivers-reasons-of-allowing-in-some-states-pros-and-cons/.

1. IvyPanda . "Teenage Drivers: Reasons of Allowing in Some States, Pros and Cons." October 19, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/teenage-drivers-reasons-of-allowing-in-some-states-pros-and-cons/.

IvyPanda . "Teenage Drivers: Reasons of Allowing in Some States, Pros and Cons." October 19, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/teenage-drivers-reasons-of-allowing-in-some-states-pros-and-cons/.

Should we Raise the Legal Driving Age?

The legal driving age has been a constant debate and every few years another log is thrown onto the fire. Should we really raise the legal age to drive? Would it save lives? If so, how high should we raise it? Currently, most states allow for teen drivers to apply for a driver’s permit 6 months after their 15th birthday. Some say this is way too soon.

Teen Driving is Deadly

It’s an unfortunate truth, but auto accidents are the leading cause of death among teenagers. A 16-year-old is almost twice as likely to die in a car crash than a 30-year-old. And with new issues such as cell phone driving , texting while driving , and other forms of distracted driving , there is good reason to debate this issue. If we can take the most dangerous drivers off the road, we will not only save the lives of young adults, but we will also make the roadways safer for everyone else.

But Driving is Deadly for all Age Groups

As stated, the leading cause of death for 15 to 24-year-olds is auto accidents . They are the only age group where this is true.

However, car crashes are the leading cause of accidental death in all age groups over 4 years old ! Let’s face it, 15 to 24-year-olds aren’t plagued with disease and sickness like older folks are. So it’s only natural that their leading cause of death will be accidental, and will also be the leading accidental death for nearly every age group. So the stats aren’t exactly cut and dry.

The bottom line is that driving is dangerous for ALL ages, not just teens.

Is it Age or Inexperience? Consider These Points.

I s age really the biggest factor to consider? If we raise the legal driving age to, say, 17 years old, wouldn’t 17-year-olds have the highest accident rate simply due to lack of experience? Many argue that our decision-making skills aren’t fully developed at 16 (the legal age at which a license can actually be obtained). However, this is mostly unsubstantiated evidence and since every person develops differently, a blanketed law is going to punish those who are ready.

I’m a truck driver and see this with new truckers. The legal age to receive a commercial driver’s license is 18 years old, but most don’t obtain their commercial driver’s license until after the age of 21. The most dangerous truck drivers on the road are those with under 2 years of experience, regardless of age . It’s likely that if we simply raise the driving age, we will only shift the “problem drivers” to a higher age bracket.

By the way, be sure to check out these tips for driving around semi trucks

Major Issues with Raising the Legal Driving Age

Aside from young teens hating the idea, do we really want our teens dependent upon us for everything? Do we really want to chauffeur our teens everywhere, up until the point they graduate high school, go off to college, or even join the military?

Getting a driver’s license is a ‘right of passage’ so to speak. We have to “let go” at some point or another. Most teens don’t have access to public transit. We need to let them have some freedom. We need to let them get jobs. We need to let them grow up. And learning to drive is one of the very first steps into adulthood. The world is a dangerous place, but we must “let go” at some point.

A Graduated Solution

Every child and every teenager develops in their own unique way. Instead of forcing the government to make blanketed laws, let’s leave things the way they are and force parents to be parents. Allow mom and dad to decide if their child should drive or not. Who knows a teenager better than the teenagers guardian?

Most states have developed a “graduated licensing” program, which has proven to be successful. This includes more time behind the wheel with a supervised and licensed adult, more classroom time, and zero tolerance policies for traffic violations (a violation could result in further training or even license revocation).

Limiting forms of distracted driving is also a good idea. Some states have a graduated rider program. At first, no passengers are allowed unless it’s an adult. After some experience, they can bring more passengers on board. Zero tolerance cell phone use and driving curfew laws have also proven to be successful.

Traditionally, we have given full license privileges to 16 year olds. Instead of simply raising the driving age, we should continue to implement programs which slowly gives more driving privileges to teens as they prove themselves to be safe, trustworthy drivers. Let’s treat this as an experience issue, not an age issue.

Sometimes Life is Worth the Risks

We all live a fine line in life. Just about everything we do is dangerous. We could slip and fall in the shower, get hit by a car crossing the street, or die while riding a roller coaster. Does that mean we shouldn’t do anything in life that is remotely dangerous? Of course not.

Giving teens the ability to drive will give them invaluable life experiences. Yes, driving is risky. It’s risky no matter our age. But driving is one of those things we just can’t avoid in modern society, and teens should be able to experience the world with the freedom driving brings.

Limiting Risks is the Answer

Instead of blanket driving bans or raising the driving age, we should instead find ways to make the transition into adulthood safer for teens. Graduated driver’s license programs have greatly increased safety for teen drivers, along with safer cars, zero-tolerance laws for alcohol and distracted driving, curfews, better driver’s education , and more parental oversight with safe driving apps, dashcams, and GPS tracking.

Instead of arbitrarily raising the driving age, we should continue to explore and research ways to improve driving safety for teens as well as the overall motoring public.

Is the perfect answer? Not by a long shot. However, simply raising the driving age is not necessarily going to make roads safer. This is a fair compromise between safety, and giving teens the freedom they should be able to experience.