Some people say that the best way to improve road safety

📌 Some people say that the best way to improve road safety is to increase the legal age for driving cars or riding motorbikes.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

It is often argued that raising the legal driving age is the most effective strategy for enhancing road safety. While I agree that this measure could yield some positive results, particularly for younger adolescents, I disagree that it is the single best solution. A more comprehensive approach, focusing on stricter licensing procedures and improved infrastructure, would be far more impactful.

Proponents of increasing the driving age, perhaps from 16 or 17 to 18 or even 21, base their arguments on solid evidence. Younger individuals are statistically more likely to be involved in traffic accidents due to a combination of factors, including neurological immaturity. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for risk assessment and impulse control, is not fully developed in teenagers. This can lead to reckless behaviours such as speeding, distracted driving, and poor judgment in hazardous situations. By delaying the age at which they can legally drive, society could potentially avoid a significant number of accidents caused by this demographic’s inherent inexperience and biological development.

However, to claim this is the best method is an oversimplification. Firstly, it unfairly penalises all young people for the mistakes of a few, and many mature, responsible teenagers would be inconvenienced. More importantly, this measure fails to address the root causes of accidents among drivers of all ages. A more effective and targeted solution would be to implement a graduated driver licensing (GDL) system. This involves a longer, more rigorous learning period, mandatory hours of supervised driving, and restrictions on night-time driving or carrying young passengers for new drivers, regardless of their age. This directly tackles inexperience, which is a key factor in crashes.

Furthermore, the primary causes of road fatalities often extend beyond youth. Issues like drink-driving, fatigue, and the pervasive use of mobile phones are prevalent across all age groups. Therefore, alongside better training, stricter and more consistently enforced penalties for these offences are crucial. Finally, investment in safer road infrastructure—such as better lighting, clear signage, and pedestrian-friendly crossings—can prevent accidents from occurring in the first place, protecting all road users.

In conclusion, while raising the legal driving age might reduce accidents involving the youngest and most inexperienced drivers, it is not a panacea. A multifaceted strategy that includes a graduated licensing system, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and smarter road design would be far more successful in creating a safer environment for everyone.