If things are getting too dull in the General Assembly, we can always count on state Sen Tom Wyss to propose something new to get people arguing:
"If you're talking about the age group between 16 and 20, the greatest single cause of death in that age group is auto crashes," said Indiana State Senator Tom Wyss. "Regardless if the numbers are one or 100, it's a tremendous tragedy to lose someone at that age just because they didn't have the driving skills necessary."
That's why Wyss plans to introduce a bill that would change the driving age from 16 to 17, mandate drivers education for new drivers, and make sure teens have at least 50 hours of driving practice.
Actually, the idea isn't that new. Increasing the driving age is a trend across the country, and there is some evidence that it's a good idea:
New findings from brain researchers at the National Institutes of Health explain for the first time why efforts to protect the youngest drivers usually fail. The weak link: what's called "the executive branch" of the teen brain — the part that weighs risks, makes judgments and controls impulsive behavior.
Scientists at the NIH campus in Bethesda, Md., have found that this vital area develops through the teenage years and isn't fully mature until age 25. One 16-year-old's brain might be more developed than another 18-year-old's, just as a younger teen might be taller than an older one. But evidence is mounting that a 16-year-old's brain is generally far less developed than those of teens just a little older.
I was a terrible driver at 16, and most adults, I think, would make the same admission. This is one of those cases where we don't want our kids to do something we fought tooth and nail to do when we were kids. Call us hypocritcal. I can just imagine the editorials to come in the high school newspapers.
Comments
Yes indeed, call me a hypocrite, too, because although I got my license just about as soon as Indiana law allowed at the time (about 16 years and one month), I probably shouldn't have been allowed to drive until I was 20 or 21.
And my dad, trusting man that he is, gave me access to a '72 Chevy Nova. If you're not familiar with Novas, they go fast. Very, very fast. When I think back on the way I drove, it's a miracle that I didn't kill myself and/or someone else.
At the very least, the laws which prohibit new drivers from carrying passengers under a certain age is a good idea, for some of my most reckless driving was done to "impress" friends.
Tom Wyss is a BIG government Republican.
Tom Wyss has a strong tendency to think he knows what is best for the rest of us...
Mike Sylvester
Granted, the age bracket is rife with tragic auto statistics, but once again this is not the way to fix it.
Using Wyss' logic, you really should not let anyone drive until they are 25, married, and have a steady job.
Yes, kids are immature and inexperienced drivers, and we as parents (not Mr. Wyss) should be raising them to drive safely and make good choices.
For Gods sake, you simply can't PREVENT everything and making more laws will NOT make your kids anymore responsible or less at risk.
Didn't get my license (i PA) until I was 22...had a good job, managed to BUY my OWN car AND insurance....and passed the test on the FIRST try (in my buddy's new car)...
Then again...we either walked, rode a bike, or took public transportation (and once in a while, rode with a friend) wherever we "needed" to go.
See?..it CAN be done right...!
;)
B.G.
The legal driving age should not be changed to 17. I received my license at the age of 16 and feel more than confident regarding my driving capabilities at that age. I am 21 years old and have a perfect memory of my driving abilities. I got my drivers permit at the age of 15 and participated in a drivers
Sutten, Very well thought out.
My biggest concern opposing this argument has to do with my age upon graduating high school. I was 17 when I graduated from high school and wouldnt turn 18 until the following late Novemeber. I understand I am very young for my grade, but if your arguement is to push back driving age, it would basically tell me I couldnt drive even though I was intelligent enough to be enrolled in college. I believe that the driving age justified where it stands now and there is no need to adjust it.
I wish to expand on Rebecca
I think the age should remain at 16 and 3 months. These kids need to drive to work and sports practice. It think it is up to a parent to decide if thier child is responsible enough to drive and if not, then make the child wait. My son was also 17 when he graduated High School and started college, he was very responsible and deserved the right to drive himself to college!!!