It is a rite of passage for many, an acceptance ticket into adulthood. Receiving your driver’s license is a very big deal, no question about it. However, the debate continues; how safe are these new drivers on the road?
Some argue that once a driver’s license is awarded, that person is considered a capable and competent driver. Others feel that simply completing the test isn’t enough. Most people, however, fall somewhere in the middle. They feel that while teenagers are old enough to know what safe and appropriate driving is, they are also easily persuaded to ignore what they know is best. After all, they are just kids.
Like anything else in life, driving just takes some getting used to. The problem is that unlike learning how to play a game or ride a bike, car accidents can carry some very dangerous consequences.
To combat this, many states have enforced “Graduated Driver Licensing” programs, limiting when, where, and with whom a new driver can use his/her vehicle. For example, some states restrict the time when a new driver can drive, issuing a midnight curfew. Other states have restrictions on the number of passengers that can be in the car while a new driver is behind the wheel.
In support of these graduated licensing rules, a report was released recently suggesting that not only do these restrictions save lives, but money as well. The report, which gathered data from various traffic safety groups, estimated that with nation-wide acceptance, these driving rules might save over 2,000 lives and billions of dollars each year.
What are your thoughts on the matter? Please leave a comment below, including your feelings on this subject; we’d love to hear what you have to say.