Driving and Teens Literature & Language Essay Paper

According to the National Youth Risk Behaviour Survey 2011, adolescents drive faster than they did just ten years earlier. Among the survey findings were some very interesting statistics, such as the use of seat belts for teen drivers and riders rose from 74 percent to 92 percent. Why shouldn’t they would be able to drive? The legal driving age should not be raised based on the following reasons: most teenagers begin working around the age of 16, driving to school helps many teens as well as parents, and also gives teenagers some form of independence and responsibility.

. As long as teens understand that car privileges during school days consist of going to and home from school, driving themselves is a perfectly reasonable mode of transportation for many older teens. Driving to and from school every day can also help gain valuable driving experience. The route is familiar, so getting lost would not be something to worry about. Not to mention driving from home to work, or school to work would give teens valuable experience.

Also, having a part-time after-school, weekend, or summer job helps teens learn much-needed lessons in responsibility and financial planning. Working is an important way for teens to learn what it's like to be an adult. However, parents will not always be able to chauffeur their teens back and forth to their job. Therefore, driving is a necessity for working teens and without it, they may not have a reliable mode of transportation needed.

Many argue that teenagers should not drive because of all the different statistics stacked up against young drivers. Although this argument is valid, according to the American Academy Pediatrics, “driving during your teenage years helps children work on becoming more independent. Driving is an important milestone that allows teenagers to transition from childhood into adulthood independently.” Along with independence comes responsibilities and a more adult-like way of behaving. Driving can provide us, teenagers, with the opportunity to turn into a proper adult and prove how responsible teenagers can truly be.

To conclude, the legal driving age should not be raised. Teenagers should be allowed to drive to school and to work. teenagers also, much like adults, crave the independence that driving provides. Teenagers look forward to being allowed to drive, they will hopefully take their responsibilities seriously. Driving is one of the few things that gives teenagers a sense of responsibility and also gives them the chance to prepare for adulthood. Responsibility is earned through experience.



AACAP. Driving and Teens, www(dot)aacap(dot)org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Helping-Your_Teen-Become-A-Safe-Driver-076.aspx.

“Some Positive Surprises In Teen Driving Behavior: by Improv.” MyImprov, 10 May 2018, www(dot)myimprov(dot)com/some-positive-surprises-in-teen-driving-behavior/.