Increase Driving Age in Arizona to Save Lives

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Maturity and rationalization is not yet achieved or experienced by teenagers. In the era of technology there are several distractions for drivers of any age to maneuver. Parents can play an educational role by enrolling their teen into a driver’s educational program. Some states require students to complete a comprehensive graduated drivers licensing (GDL) program prior to receiving their license. The brain function is still developing in teenagers and may impede the quick thinking process necessary to become a responsible driver. For the safety and welfare of teenagers the age requirement in Arizona for a driver’s license should be increased from 16 to 18 years of age. In the state of Arizona, teenagers that are 15 years and six months can apply for their learner’s permit. A written driving test of basic driving laws and rules is then taken. Upon passing the new driver is given six months to drive a minimum of 30 daytime hours and 10 nighttime hours, with a licensed driver present. This allows teens to become comfortable driving alongside a licensed driver before taking on the task of driving alone. After the six month period of practicing, the teenager can take the driving part of the exam to attain their driver’s license. “Crash risk is particularly high during the first months of licensure.” (Teen Drivers: Fact Sheet 1) The need for more driving practice and defensive driving is relevant. Are teenagers at the age of 16 able to comprehend the responsibility and danger of getting behind the wheel? Although some teenage students possess responsible habits, they may still face the peril of not being able to measure consequences of taking a risk. Jay Giedd, chief of brain imaging at the National Institute of Mental Health st... ... middle of paper ... ...ww.2 facts.com /article/i1100500> “Teen Drivers: Fact Sheet” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2 Oct. 2012. Web. 1 Feb 2014 Drivers/teendrivers_factsheet.html> “Better Driver Education Will Make Young Drivers Safer.” Opposing Viewpoints: Cars in America. Ed. Andrea C. Nakaya. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2006. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Central Arizona College. 1 Feb. 2014 =OVRC&prodId=OVRC&userGroupName=cazc_main&tabID=T010&docId= EJ3010429225&type=retrieve&contentSet=GSRC&version=1.0>. Nienstedt, Andrea. “Distracted Driving.” The Gale Encyclopedia of Public Health. Ed. Laurie J. Fundukian. Vol. 1. Detroit: Gale, 2013. 251-256. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 1 Feb. 2014.

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