To consume alcohol: 21
To Vote: 18
To Smoke: 18
To handle heavy machinery like a car: 16
What's your opinion?
2007-02-07 05:45:52 · 12 answers · asked by mahjongdong 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
The age should be increased nation wide. to 18...& a graduated system from the age of 16....but can't drive alone until 18, and should have to complete a driving course (the 4hour weekend course) that involves 1 hour of lecture & questions & 3 of hands on driving. This course should be mandatory ....the stats prove more needs to be done b4 turning teens out onto the streets (77% of teen accidents are as a result of avoidable errors.). (Not all teens, i know i am going to be blasted....some are good drivers, yes, but the stats are what the are)
ex: teens make up 7%of lic.drivers, & suffer 14% fatalities & 20% of all reported accidents.
2007-02-07 06:38:05 · answer #1 · answered by rjsluvbug 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've never understood why people seem to think that there's some sort of linear correlation between age and maturity. I don't think that this should be decided by age at all. I think that people should be tested more thoroughly to see whether they are fit to drive, but should be able to apply for a license at whatever age they can pass. Some people will be ready when they're 12, others never will be. I know that there are alot of 14-15 year old kids out there that are just as responsible as alot of adults. I'm also pretty sure that most 14-15 year olds are probably a whole lot better suited physically to drive than most 70+ year olds.
2007-02-07 13:57:20 · answer #2 · answered by stickymongoose 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In hindsight, I think that everything should be raised to 21. You are not even close to being mature at 16. Even 18 isn't that great. Teens and old people are the two most dangerous groups on the road, everyone knows it. Since (for some reason -- AARP) we can't get the oldies off the road, shouldn't we at least try to get some of the teens under control?
I think that a REQUIRED drivers ed class of a minimum of 40 hours plus a minimum of 40 hours in a training vehicle would be a good start. Most teens don't have any experience or even classroom training to drive. In Florida you take an 8 hour course and drive on a SIMULATOR for a couple of hours, then you're on the road killing, er driving.
2007-02-07 13:51:02 · answer #3 · answered by Goose&Tonic 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think that the US has some strange age restrictions. For instance, you can serve in the military at 18, but you can't have an alcoholic drink?
For the driving age, I think that it is good that it is around 16. Although most kids at that age are irresponsible, they are (for the most part) still living with their parents and their parent's restrictions and guidance. So they are available to teach good driving skills and the rules of the road. If the driving age was 18, most kids would be out of the house and essentially on their own.
2007-02-07 13:55:07 · answer #4 · answered by smellyfoot ™ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
16 year olds are proven to have better reflexes/reaction times than older drivers. But their concentration level isn't always there. But that goes for all those cell-phone-while-driving addicts too. So, no, I think it's fine, not too young.
The drinking age should be reduced to 18 though. You can get drafted at 18 but you can't buy a beer, gimme a break.
2007-02-07 13:54:27 · answer #5 · answered by csucdartgirl 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
too young, even in europe where it's either 17 or 18(mostly 18 thought) it's too young.
there are some responsibilities that no matter what, at the age of 16 you are too young to comprehend.
2007-02-07 19:17:57 · answer #6 · answered by lily54 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO. I WORKED when I was 16. I needed to GO TO WORK. I also commuted to school. I NEEDED a car, I NEEDED to be able to drive, and just because a bunch of bums who went to parties instead of work or school caused accidents doesn't mean that I should have been punished.
2007-02-07 13:55:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, I don't think that's too young. In fact, I think it's a nice age to start learning independence and responsibility for a smooth transition to adulthood. Though, I would like to see driver's education become mandatory - the accident rate for that age group is astonishing.
2007-02-07 13:49:43 · answer #8 · answered by Karma 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I am 16 and I am scared to drive by myself. My dad says that this makes me a much safer driver, but I think that 16 is too young to drive by yourself.
2007-02-07 13:53:58 · answer #9 · answered by Kate, the one and only 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes too young.
They should not drive until they are 18.
2007-02-07 13:55:37 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋