Florida Teens Show Some Wisdom
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I have written numerous articles in this blog about fatal car accidents in my area of Florida that have involved teen driver, some of them underage. I wrote that I feel the driving age should be raised a little, to compensate for emotional maturity, etc.
A very encouraging article appeared today on the APR wires. It says that according to state transportation data, Florida teens are waiting longer to get licenses. All licenses issues to teens in Florida, only 40% are issued to 16-year-olds. In 1991, this number was 60%.
Teens quoted stated reasons ranging from not seeing what the “big deal” was to feeling leery after seeing friends killed behind the wheel. There is also the fact that Florida now requires teens to start with a learner’s permit for a year before even applying for a regular license; and those under 21 have curfews unless driving to or from work.
The author speculates that higher gas and insurance costs may also be a factor.
I like seeing that some teens are waiting. An individual grows in leaps and bounds during their teens in both physical and mental ways. The difference in wisdom and common sense between a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old is considerable. Take that upper age to a18 and the difference is vast.
I passed my driver’s test shortly after I turned 16. But in Washington (state), I also had my driver’s permit at 15 and passed a required Driver’s Ed course. (Ah, good times.) Driving was important in my small town, public transportation was non-existent except for school buses and their designated route and schedule. Many teens already had driving experience on nearby farms. I think it depends on the teen, and where/how they drive. My Dad wanted us to get our licenses as soon as we could. After all, it’s the parents who were stuck doing all the driving! For me, getting my license at 16 was about growing up and becoming more responsible and then being able to get a good part-time job. I’m so glad I wasn’t required to wait until I was 18.