The legal driving age in the United States is 16, but some argue that this is too young. For evidence, they point to the fact that teenage drivers are involved in a disproportionately high number of fatal car accidents. While this age group is relatively small, their fatal crash rate is higher than that of any other age group—sometimes as much as three times higher.
The case for raising the driving age
Raising the legal driving age to 18, for example, could have potential benefits. It would allow young drivers more time to mature, which could lead to better decision-making behind the wheel. This might, in turn, reduce the number of fatal car accidents.
Some proponents may even suggest raising the driving age to 20. If drivers aged 16 to 19 have the highest fatal accident rate, setting the driving age at 20 could theoretically eliminate all of these accidents, as no teen drivers—the most high-risk age group—would be on the road.
Why it might not help
However, others argue that raising the driving age wouldn’t necessarily reduce accident rates. They point out that many accidents involving young drivers occur because of inexperience. Young drivers need time behind the wheel to develop safe driving skills.
In this light, raising the driving age to 18 or 19 might not make a meaningful difference. The most inexperienced drivers would still have the highest fatal accident rate—they would just be slightly older. Delaying the start of their driving careers would postpone, rather than solve, the issue of inexperience.
Understanding the risks
Inexperience will always carry some level of risk for young drivers. If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by another driver, it’s important to understand your legal options and how to seek compensation.