what are some perspective on the issue increasing minimum driving age​

Social Studies · Middle School · Thu Feb 04 2021

Answered on

 The issue of increasing the minimum driving age is a multifaceted topic that elicits different perspectives based on safety, developmental readiness, and practical considerations. Here are some perspectives:

1. Safety Perspective: Proponents of raising the minimum driving age often argue that it could decrease traffic accidents. Statistically, younger drivers, especially teenagers, are more prone to accidents due to a lack of experience and sometimes poorer judgement or riskier behavior. By increasing the minimum driving age, these advocates suggest that roads would become safer.

2. Developmental Perspective: This perspective is rooted in the understanding of adolescent brain development. Research has shown that the frontal cortex, which governs judgment and risk assessment, is not fully developed until the mid-20s. Older adolescents are likely to have better cognitive skills related to driving, which could potentially reduce crash rates.

3. Insurance and Economic Perspective: From an economic standpoint, younger drivers are more expensive to insure because they present a higher risk. Consequently, raising the driving age could lead to lower insurance premiums. However, it could also reduce the mobility of young people, affecting their ability to work and contributing to the economy.

4. Social Perspective: Driving is often seen as a rite of passage that provides independence for young people. Increasing the minimum driving age could delay this independence, impacting social development and possibly limiting opportunities for young people, such as getting to work, school, or social activities.

5. Educational Perspective: If the minimum driving age is increased, there is an opportunity to expand on driver education programs. Longer and more comprehensive driver education could be provided to better prepare adolescents for the responsibilities of driving.

Related Questions