National Teen Driver Safety Week: Time to rethink the driving age
It’s National Teen Driver Safety Week, and time to have an honest conversation: 16 is too young to be behind the wheel. The data backs this up — motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of death for teens aged 15 to 18 in the U.S., with 2,611 lives lost in 2023 alone in crashes involving teen drivers (NHTSA). Instead of being a footnote, this should be a call to action.
The case for waiting until 18
In most of the European Union, you can’t drive until you’re 18 years old. It’s not about being overly strict — it’s about acknowledging the immaturity of teenagers. Between the ages of 16 and 18, teens are still developing the judgment, focus, and maturity that safe driving requires. In that time, most teens in Europe learn how to get around independently using public transit, walking, and biking. It’s a built-in system for building self-reliance — without the risk of handing over the keys too soon. Drivers training, in general, is also more rigorous in Europe compared with the US.
It’s not just about the driver
In the U.S., by contrast, driving is often seen as a rite of passage when a kid turns 16. But what’s often overlooked is the weight of that responsibility. “A vehicle isn’t just freedom — it’s power.” These metaphors, however, ignore the incredible responsibility placed on young drivers maneuvering a large, fast machine in the social context of road traffic.
The dangerous mix of driving and drinking
When a teen gets into a crash, it’s usually not just their life on the line. Passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, other drivers — people who had nothing to do with that teen’s decision to drive recklessly — can be hurt or killed. And that’s something a young person has to live with for the rest of their life. This isn’t just about protecting teens from themselves, it’s also about protecting everyone else around them.
What are the alternatives?
Parents often say, “We’ll just drive them until they’re old enough to drive.” But that’s not realistic for everyone. And it shouldn’t have to be.
When driving isn’t an option, teens learn to use public transportation. They get comfortable biking, walking, and carpooling. They become more aware of their surroundings and more connected to their communities. These skills don’t just replace driving — they build confidence, independence, and resilience. And frankly, between insurance premiums, gas, maintenance, and parking, owning a car at 16 is often more of a financial burden than a benefit.
A more aware, smarter way forward
Raising the legal driving age to 18 isn’t about restricting independence. It’s about giving young people time to mature before taking on one of the most dangerous things they’ll do as teenagers. It’s about creating systems that support their growth — without putting lives at risk.
This National Teen Driver Safety Week, let’s move past tradition and toward real safety. Let’s advocate for better transit access, safer streets, and realistic expectations. Let’s raise the standard, because being able to drive doesn’t always mean being ready to drive.
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For more information visit: Talk to your teen, Risk factors for teen drivers and Road users: Teen drivers
