Teens Driving

After reading the article I learned that many teens are being modest and avoiding fatal incidents by not getting their license. It is important for teens to drive safely because not only are they risking their lives but they're also risking the lives of everyone around them. In my opinion, I think it's smart that some teens have made the decision of getting their license instill. Some decide that they want to just wait because they don't have all the money or because they don't see a rush in it. Yet others have families who make it a ritual. The majority of them don't want to make it a simulation.

Teens Driving in Massachusetts

In the article, "Fewer Youths Jump Behind The Wheel at 16" by Mary M. Chapman and Micheline Maynard, they talk about how the national rate of licensed 16-year-olds dropped to 29.8 percent in 2006 from 43.8 percent in 1998, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Twenty-five years ago most teenagers took driver's education in their local schools. But the number of school systems offering the program has plummeted to about 20 percent today, from 90 percent in the 1980's said Allen R. Robinson, chief executive of the American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association, which represents the high school. Over all, teenager drivers have the highest crash risk of any group. Car accidents account for one third of all deaths of 16 to 18 years old. Forty-nine states allowed young drivers to obtain restricted licenses before, on or within a few months of their 16th birthday.

The Decision: Should Teens Be Driving Their Cars in South Beach?

It seems the days where teens seek to gain their licenses as quick as possible are starting to plummet. What was once a sacred ritual in the life of American teens has now undergone a drastic change as the national percentage of 16 year olds with licenses has dropped a not so modest 14%, from 43.8% in 1998 to 29.8% in 2006. What could be the blame for this drop? A number of factors are in play. Where public schools once provided driving lessons for a nominal fee, now private schools dominate the landscape, with ridiculous prices that can easily exceed $500. Furthermore, insurance premiums, which were once fair on teen drivers, have now greatly increased the price for young drivers. This added price doesn't come with any benefits, though. If the price isn't a factor, safety might be. Car accidents account for over 35% of all teenage deaths. Knowing teens, though, they probably don't care about that. Should teens drive? With the safety risks and exorbitant prices, I'm not so sure getting a license as fast as possible is the best option anymore.

Times Are Changing

The article we had to read certainly gave me a real taste of reality. More and more teenagers are being modest when it comes to acquiring a driver's license at the minimum age. The laws are very strict on drivers under the age of eighteen. These laws that are instilled are so strict that one slip up could cost someone their license until they're eighteen along with possible fines and insurance surcharges. Teenagers between the ages of sixteen and eighteen are the most likely people to get into a fatal accident so insurance is overwhelmingly expensive. Insurance is especially expensive if a teen is on their own policy and not on with their parents. The costs to add a child to an account is no longer nominal, forcing teenagers to need a job to pay for their insurance expenses. Only about ten years ago the percentage of teenagers with a license was near fifty percent. It was almost like a ritual for a teenager to go for their license right away when they're eligible. Nowadays, it's rare for most teenagers to get their license right away and it's evident through statistics showing that only thirty percent of teens get their license right away. Personally, I got my license one month after turning sixteen and a half, which is the legal age of Massachusetts. In closing, things are not the same anymore for teen operators, and it's influencing their decisions to get their licenses or not.

Drive safely for you sake

Please if you are driving try to play it safe and don't do any offensive driving or anything that involves getting your license taken away for 60 or more days. Most importantly don't drink and drive, or don't text and drive for your safety and your driver license

Teens and Driving

Why do you think teens are waiting to get their license and car? Even if they are of age teens are waiting because of the prices.The number of teen drivers has plummeted. I have my permit and I am of age to get my license but i still have to do my road lessons. Even if i get my road lessons done, I am going to wait to get a car because of the price. Ill probably instill myself into buying a car so i can pay a little at a time. The gas price has even risen to about $3.50 per gallon. Isn't that ridiculous?! I think it is. The price should be more modest such as $1.25 per gallon. That would bring down the price somewhat. So, there is no wonder why teens now a days are waiting to get there license and/or their car. The other problems with teens driving is the fatality rate. In some states, teens who are going for their license have to take a computer simulation before they can get their license.The things you have to do to get your license these days! What are you going to do about these problems?

Texting and Driving!

Some people think that it is alright to text and drive while others don't. I agree that it is not safe to do. Even if you have one hand on the wheel your eyes will still be on and off the road and in that split second that your eyes are off the road the worst could happen. Your hands should always be on the wheel and your eyes should be focused on the road. By keeping focus on the road, you help save your own life and lives of others everyday.