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Teenage Drivers Requirements Argument Essay

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In 2013, more than 2,500 teenagers died in the United States from motor vehicle crash injuries. Such injuries are by far the leading public health problem for young people 13-19 years old (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety [IIHS], 2014). Drivers are not the only ones at risk. Teenagers who are passengers in others vehicles make up a startling 87% of the fatality statistic. Lack of driving experience, disregard for traffic laws, and quick access to full driving privileges contribute to teen death. To reduce teen driving fatalities, successful completion of driver education classes provided by public and private schools should be mandatory for all teenagers prior to receiving their driving permit.

Most teens start learning to drive …show more content…

At the same time, they are the least able to cope with hazardous situations that arise unexpectedly" (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 2014). Again, it is apparent the blatant disregard of traffic laws directly correlates to teen deaths in vehicle crashes. Teens underestimate how speeding actually impedes their reaction time when placed in precarious driving situations. Contributing factors such as wet roads or uneven pavement necessitates that drivers slow down. Unfortunately, speeding causes them to overcompensate resulting in many one-vehicle accidents resulting in death. Learning to understand the reasons why one should obey traffic laws begins at home through observation of adults. However, academic settings such as driver's education classes are the optimum place for these lessons because their structure provides in-depth training.

Driving gives teens a sense of freedom. They are in charge once their driving permit is in hand and the key is in the ignition. However, freedom comes at a cost and too much to soon can be fatal. For example, as reported in an article by IIHS, "The horrific crash that took Tiffany Accardi's life and the lives of four others prompted Florida legislators to pass a law that phases in driving privileges for teenagers." (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 2014). This mandate requires teens to pass a

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