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Bertrand's ACE Debate


Debate Info

37
53
Raise the driving age Keep the driving age
Debate Score:90
Arguments:61
Total Votes:118
More Stats

Argument Ratio

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 Raise the driving age (35)
 
 Keep the driving age (26)

Debate Creator

mbertrand(62) pic



Driving Age

Should our driving age be changed?

Raise the driving age

Side Score: 37
VS.

Keep the driving age

Side Score: 53
2 points

There have been many car crashes that have happened with 15-to-17-year-olds, and between 1995 and 2004, there were 30,917 fatalities in accidents that involved 15-to-17-year-old drivers, according to a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. About one-third of those deaths were the teen drivers themselves. The rest were pedestrians, passengers, and people in cars that the teenagers hit.

Supporting Evidence: http://goo.gl/A6pjR (goo.gl)
Side: Raise the driving age
1 point

Raising the driving age would be the smarter decision because all 50 states prohibit 16 year olds from drinking alchohol, buying cigarettes and purchasing hand guns, but you're willing to put a 16 year old in charge of a vehicle?

16 year olds are obviously not quite responsible enough to drive.

According to a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, between 1995 and 2004 there were 30,917 fatalities in accidents that involved 15 to 17 year old drivers.

Side: Raise the driving age
19enewhouse(4) Disputed
3 points

Not all 16 year old's are inmature. its just the ones who do drink and do stuff they shouldnt that crash the cars.

Side: Keep the driving age
1 point

If you think about it, 16 year old drivers cause the most automobile accidents per highway mile than that of any other age group that is permitted to be on the roads. When you listen to the news, most of the large, notable accidents are either caused by drunk drivers, or 16 year olds because they are new to using the car.

Side: Raise the driving age
1 point

Crashes are number one leading cause of death in teens. Studies show that there were 30,917 deaths from 1995 to 2004, they show that a third of that were drivers themselves and the rest were hit by teenage drivers. In New Jersey they raised the driving age and the crashes among 16-17 year old's in Jersey was 18 to 100,000 and in Connecticut where it is 16 is 26 to 100,000. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Side: Raise the driving age
19gdewitt(6) Disputed
1 point

The stats that your supplying do seem accurate, but do you really think that the teenagers were aiming for other drivers? Like a twisted version of adult bumper cars?

Side: Keep the driving age
1 point

Also kid's have a way better chance of getting hurt, between 1995 and 2004 there were 30,917 fatalities. Also kid's could be talking on the phone which will lead to kid's getting in a car crash.

Side: Raise the driving age
1 point

I think that the driving age should be raised because the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says 16 year old kids have more accidents per highway mile than any other age group. You may say that raising the age to 18 would be just as bad because they know how to drive just as well but 16 year old kids have more accidents than anyone else, including 18 year olds.

Side: Raise the driving age
1 point

I think it would be great to be able to drive yourself anywhere you want... But that freedom may go to their heads. When kids get to the age 16-17 they like the freedom they get away from their parents, they like being able to make their own decisions, But enjoying the freedom too much may get them or friends or other pedestrians killed. This may include drunk driving, talking/texting while driving, or reckless driving with friends.

Side: Raise the driving age
1 point

Seemingly, the people you usually see driving while eating, talking on the phone, or trying to slowly type out a text with one hand are the 15-17 year old drivers. They obviously don't realize that even a simple task like those while one the road could mean their life. I'm sure 18 year olds would know better, considering their brains are closer to fully developed. It's so much safer to have older rather than younger people driving around in their cars.

Side: Raise the driving age
1 point

I agree with raising the driving age because according to CDC.gov, about 2,605 teens ages 16-28 where killed in 2011 due to car crashes. That means that 7 teens a day where killed due to lack of experience when driving. I believe that if these teens where to go to 2 more years of drivers education, they would be more confident and feel more comfortable behind the wheel, with more experience. I also believe that teens should be allowed to drive at age 18 because, people between the ages 15-24 are accountable for $19 billion dollars in motor vehicle accidents. I believe that the driving age should be raise to age 18 because it will cut down on the amount of car crashes, and give young drivers a new out look when they become more experienced drivers.

Side: Raise the driving age
0 points

I think that they should raise the driving age because It's more safe. Of the 1000 young drivers surveyed by one poll, 75% of them use a navigation app while driving, 50% read text messages on the road, while 37% send them.

Side: Raise the driving age
1 point

I agree with that because even though the teenagers might not be doing the texting, they could be receiving text messages and reading them causing them to get in accidents.

Side: Raise the driving age
0 points

I think the driving age should be raised to eighteen because the human brain is more developed and mature at that age. So, new 18 year old drivers would then realize the importance of safety while on the road more rather than new 16 year old drivers.

Side: Raise the driving age
19chohnberge(14) Disputed
1 point

Yes, even though there brains are more developed the number 1 cause of accidents because of inexperience.So if you raise the driving age then the death rate of 18 year olds will raise while decreasing the death rate of 16 year olds. So raising the driving age won't save lives it will increase the death rate of 18 year olds.

Side: Keep the driving age
1 point

I agree, the only reason we fail at activities on the first time, prodigies aside, is because we aren't born with the knowledge! Yes as you mature your brain is becoming mature, but that's for basic though and intelligence... Not adapted skills such as the focus of our topic! If you expect 18 year-olds to jump in a car and drive like someone who has been driving for 2 years, you aren't gonna get very promising results... Humans weren't made to fly or breath under water, so how are they to drive a can around avoiding other cans while their at it?

Side: Keep the driving age
0 points

I think the driving age should not be raised because, at 16 their are more important things to worry about, such as the ACT or SAT. A student at Ashferd High school said " in high school you need to stay focused if you want good grades, you also must focus on the ACT or SAT, add driving to that it gives you a whole lot of stress." But, if they move up the driving age they wont have that stress and be more ready to take on the ACT or SAT stress free.

Side: Raise the driving age
0 points

I don't think that they should keep the driving age the same because 16 year old's aren't mature enough to be in charge of a car. Many 16 year old's may think of it as a game or a race with there friends if their friends are next to them in the lane.

Side: Raise the driving age
0 points

I agree with you, The teens at 16 are not responsible. They might think that driving is a game and be very careless on the road. I think the driving should be 18 to reduce the amount if deaths each year by careless drivers.

Side: Raise the driving age

I disagree because most of the accidents caused by 16 year olds is because of inexperience. If you raise the driving age then the death rate for 18 year olds will increase and the death rate for 16 year olds will decrease.

Side: Raise the driving age
0 points

Why are 16 year olds prohibited from purchasing handguns and cigarettes, and drinking alcohol, but are easily permitted to drive a vehicle that could honestly be a weapon in itself, if not used properly?

"Between 1995 and 2004, there were 30,917 fatalities in automobile accidents, which were caused by 15-17 year old drivers in the first place." - Should the driving age be raised to 18? by Representative John D'Amico

Side: Raise the driving age
0 points

I believe that the driving age should be raised. 16 year old kids are just too young and there is too many of them dying because of driving. We don't want to give kids guns and weapons but we are giving them a weapon by giving them a car.

Side: Raise the driving age
19enewhouse(4) Disputed
1 point

Even if we do raise the driving age they wont be any more experienced and the danger is just as great, they are just pushing back the time they die. If they choose to not think as they drive and they get in a crash it's not because they are young, its because they lack the experience and practice.

Side: Keep the driving age
19whinz(12) Disputed
1 point

Yes you get more time you get your learners permit at 16. After the SAT or ACT you can focus and have less stress.

Side: Raise the driving age
1 point

I forgot to mention that I got the above information from John M Crisp.

Side: Raise the driving age
1 point

I agree with you because someone could easily kill someone as easy as with a handgun and 16 year olds brains aren't fully developed yet and should at least wait until 18.

Side: Raise the driving age
0 points

I think the driving age should be rise because kid's are mostly immature, then the kids could get really hurt. Four teenage boy's were driving from Chicago late at night then they had a terrible accident, also kid's are more worried about there friend's so they might be to involved then they might crash.

Also it can help the kid's learn more, because they will have more time to study and have a better chance to pass the driving test, And they also can get more adult like not always acting like kid's all the time.

So that's why I think the driving age should be rise. Kid's will be way safer

Side: Raise the driving age
19gdewitt(6) Disputed
1 point

That's convincing and all, but by delaying the age of permitted driving you also delay training for driving, it'd be the same result, just two years later... Also accidents happen everyday, there's no stopping that...

Side: Keep the driving age
19djackson Disputed
1 point

but even if you do raise the driving age it wont change the fact that the deaths are caused by inexperience not age.

Side: Keep the driving age
-1 points

I think the driving age should not be raised, because at 16 their are more important things to worry about. Such as the ACT or SAT a student at Ashferd High school said " in high school you need to stay focused if you want good grades, you also must focus on the ACT or SAT, add driving to that it gives you a whole lot of stress." But, if they move up the driving age they wont have that stress and be more ready to take on the ACT or SAT stress free.

Side: Raise the driving age
4 points

I think that we should keep the driving age the same because then parents don't have time to drive there teens all around the place. Teens need the ability to drive just as much as much as anyone else- to get to school, to get to work, to get to a sports activity or to band practice, or just to hang out with there friends according to Should the Driving Age be raised to 18.

Side: Keep the driving age
19whinz(12) Disputed
1 point

You are saying that no one can take high school kids to activities. What is preventing you of car pooling. Going to sports or practice, a place to hang out. You could even ride your bike there, getting some exercise.

Side: Raise the driving age
1 point

I agree with that because in the summer kids can bike or walk because if both parents are working of all the friends they cant get anywhere but in winter they can carpool because they wont have anything during the day when their parents are working, sports or activities will be at night when parents can drive.

Side: Raise the driving age
4 points

I think that they should keep the driving age the same, because kids go everywhere with friends. Parents are tired of having to drive their kids everywhere, like to the movies, to friends houses, or maybe just to get something from the store. Ive experienced this, my mom and dad never want to drive me to my friends houses, or to meet my friends somewhere to eat. Most kids cant wait to get their licence because they get to go meet with their friends without having to worry about getting a ride.

Side: Keep the driving age
19lmertens(5) Disputed
1 point

I don't agree with that because you can walk or bike places or get rides from your friends. For school events they usually have buses or you could just stay after school. There is a bigger concern with innocent kids dying. According to John M Crisp most texting and driving accidents are from 16-year olds.

Side: Raise the driving age
19mengelhard(3) Disputed
1 point

There are other ways to getting to where you want to be than just by cars. Like you could walk or bike. Also you have to worry about the safety too not just the more easy it will be to get places safety matters more.

Side: Raise the driving age
19kroepcke(6) Disputed
1 point

Yes safety does matter.. But how do you know they arent safe? you dont. yes some people get in accidents, not everyone who goes on the roads. not all the people that get in accidents are 16/ 17. Yes there are other ways to get around, but what if its further away? You cant walk or bike on the highway.. or on busy roads. So you need a car to get some places.

Side: Keep the driving age
4 points

I believe that the driving age should remain at the age of 16 years. A main concern among the adults for teen drivers is the death rate and how the younger drivers are not as experienced and they are considered a danger. I think that if the adults and people who conduct the driving test should change the curriculum of the test. That so, the scoring would be different and the ones who can drive without being a danger get their license, those whom don't obviously will not get their license. In the article "The Driving Age Should Not Be Raised." They stated that, "Were not helping the cause by raising the driving age, we are just delaying the time they die." From that, we can see that 16 or 18, it wont make a difference because they are both equally inexperienced.

Side: Keep the driving age
3 points

If you raise the driving age who would bring kids to things? If you raise the driving age who is going to take the kids to dates, dances and other school events? Also most kids start work when they're about 16, so how are you supposed to get work.

Side: Keep the driving age
3 points

I agree with you because when you have a job, or you go to places with friends your parents aren't going to want to drop you off, then pick you up again in like 3 hours. Its good for 16yr olds to have their licence because they need to get places.

Side: Keep the driving age
19djohnson1(6) Disputed
1 point

There's other sources of transportation, such as biking, skateboarding, or just simply walking. Not every one needs a car to get where they need to be. Lots of 16 year olds walk to work and school, so honestly, I don't think not having a car would much affect that age group.

Side: Raise the driving age
19mjosephs Disputed
2 points

but what if it's raining or they can't bike because it winter dani they can't just do all the other transportations when it's winter or its raining.

Side: Keep the driving age
19dwinkler(12) Disputed
0 points

Yes who would bring them oh yeah PARENTS. Some kids aren't responsible at age 16, they would get into accidents or just do careless things like text or eat. It is not safe for the roads to have careless drivers.

Side: Raise the driving age
19mjosephs Disputed
1 point

Yes there parents could also bring them but what if their parents work and no one can bring them to work then what they cant bike in the winter and if they live farther away they can't walk so you wouldn't be able to do any of the fun events and work.

Side: Keep the driving age
19kroepcke(6) Disputed
1 point

Not all of the 16yr olds out there are irresponsible. If you couldnt remember, they have been driving for 6 months before they got their licence. They had their temps. If you think about it they are experienced, They know what to do.

Side: Keep the driving age
19enewhouse(4) Disputed
1 point

And some are not responsible at 18 either. also, people who are over 16 and 18 are careless drivers.

Side: Keep the driving age
3 points

I think that they should keep the driving age at sixteen because then if they have to wait tell eighteen years old then who is going to want to take them to their friends and prom and school activities. Im sure they don't want to have their moms being with them to bring them to pick up their date for prom. They shouldn't have to take them to those places because they should be responsible enough to actually do it on their own.

Side: Keep the driving age
3 points

Raising the driving age will also cost more. Several members of congress are sponsering bills that would set a minimum unrestried driving age for the entire nation of 18 and make compliance with the requirment a condition for receit of federal highway funds.

Side: Keep the driving age
3 points

Raising the driving age would be a solution that would fall under "Necessary". Many believe that raising the driving age would cause drivers 'think about their actions' but 16 year olds aren't evil, they know that the skill of driving is dangerous, but its useful! The National Youth Rights Association states that 'Young drivers can use the privilege of driving to get to everyday places like school, jobs, dates, and just hanging out socially with friends, which is just as important in a teens life as driving is.' Another delusion is that when you raise the driving age, stating drivers magically have more experience when they DO start driving. Most accidents, alcohol- if any- aside, are caused by inexperience and just random occurrence, which life is full of. After an everlasting debate at Debate.org, the jury has settled that drivers with no experience are the usual guilty party of the accidents on the highways that happen occasionally. Though it is a demonic thought, raising the driving age is just postponing a deadly accident. Over 7,000 Americans wake up for the last time every day, sadly there's no changing that until we get bubbles of protection to save us... So if someone dies at age 16 and you raise the age of permit, then more will die at age 18... Its a vicious circle of life, but raising the driving age won't help.

Side: Keep the driving age
2 points

Yes I agree. Kids at age 15 learn to drive with an adults supervision. Before they get there license they get a learners permit which means they can't drive without an adult in the car with them. Plus if you raise the driving age the death rate for 18 year olds will raise and 16 year olds will drop.

Side: Keep the driving age
3 points

Another reason why we shouldn't have the driving age raised to eighteen is because when they learn at sixteen then there learning there responsibilities earlier than having them learning them later in life.

Side: Keep the driving age
19dwinkler(12) Disputed
1 point

At 16 they are not as focused as a 18 year old would be. At 18 they have developed more focus and can be more safe on the road.

Side: Raise the driving age
2 points

Will cause more death if they raise the driving age. Raising the driving age is not only just a bad idea it does absoulutly nothing to help except for delay the driving age for only a short time people will still die because their old enough to drink so it will cause more death. Raising the driving age won't save lives studies show that it is inexperience not age that causes accedents raising the driving age will just create inexperienced, accedent pronedrivers at 18 instead of 16 plus they are starting colledge and wouldn't have time for other things they need the cars for work too.

Side: Keep the driving age
2 points

If you think about it, raising the driving age wont help anything. their will still be careless drivers no matter what we do. Some kids that just get their licence get out of hand and think their cool cause they speed.. but its because they are new drivers.. they dont always do it. just wait till they get pulled over.. they wont do it anymore. 18 yr olds would do the same thing. They would be new drivers too.

Side: Keep the driving age
2 points

i believe that we should still keep the driving age the same, because yes your parents do take you places.. but doesn't mean they will every time you want to go somewhere. Parents don't want to drive them everywhere. That is why its important for the kids to get their licence at 16. So they can drive themselves to things they want without having to wait for their parents to get home from work, or back from an event they went to. If the kid had their licence, then they could just go.

Side: Keep the driving age
0 points

i think the driving age should stay the same because if you raise the driving age it wont prevent deaths just change who is dead because it's not the age that causes death it's the inexperience so no mater what age you just changing the life time by little bit.

Side: Keep the driving age