In the U.S., teenagers are considered adults when they reach the age of 18. At 18, they are allowed to serve in the military, they are allowed to sign legal contracts (like apartment, house, and car leases), and they are allowed to vote. All of these activities are important; however, one of the most important is left out. The driving age in many states is 16. Is driving less important than serving in the military? Federal law should require that teenagers should not be allowed to drive until they are 18.

One reason that the driving age should be raised to 18 is because 16-year-olds have a different set of responsibilities than 18-year-olds. For example, many 16-year-olds have only just entered high school. Some high schools offer early graduation for students who do well academically. This should be their first priority—school. Many high school kids are too distracted by the thought of a driver's license to study. This shows the type of drivers they will be—distracted. Do people really want a 16-year-old who can't even concentrate on studying distracted and behind the wheel of a two-ton car? A 2005 study of cell phone users shows that many use their cell phones while they drive.

Another reason the driving age should be raised is because it will make kids more responsible. By the age of 18, many students are starting to grow into adults. Many have jobs. Many will graduate. Many will start to plan for college. This is exactly what it is like to be an adult—having responsibility. A teenager turning 18 will be more likely to take his or her driving habits seriously because it would be one of many other adult responsibilities they would have.

Finally, at the age of 18, the government can hold teenagers accountable as adults. This would make things safer for all drivers. Teenagers behind the wheel of a car cause more accidents than adult drivers. Each year, S.U.V.s are involved in more accidents than regular cars. In an accident where someone is injured, the person responsible for the accident can be punished by the government. This isn't the case if the person responsible is 16. Laws apply differently to adults than they do to teens. Many times, the parents are responsible. If a driver had to wait until he or she were 18 to drive, he or she would be the only person to blame in an accident. This means that the 18-year-old would be punished by the same law that punishes adults. The same driver at 16 would not be held to the same punishment since he or she is considered underage. This is clearly not fair.
8
Which sentence supports the idea that teenagers behind the wheel of a car cause more accidents than adult drivers?
A.
For example, if an 18-year-old had the choice, he or she would rather drive faster than slower when on the freeway.
B.
The demands of being a teenager, going to school, getting good grades, finding one's self, and planning out the future are stressful.
C.
An 18 year old is considered an adult; however, in many states, this does not mean he or she can drink legally since that legal age is 21.
D.
For example, the U.S. Department of Transportation says that in 2004 60% of the accidents in the U.S. involved drivers younger than 18.