Posted On: September 10, 2008, 1:12 pm CDT

Posted By: AFranks

Wudchuk, I'd have to agree with you 100%. Children are growing up way too fast...I know this, because I was just there a few years ago. It flies by quickly and we never get those years back. I admit, having my parents drive me around would have sucked but I would have gotten over it and probably had a better relationship with my parents because of the time spent together.

Teens are too busy these days, between school, homework, jobs, sports. I can see why a license frees up the parents to do whatever they want to do BUT it also frees up the teen to do other things that don't promote a well-rounded young man/woman... ie drinking, drugs, etc. I'm not saying that all teens do these things, but what I am saying is that raising the driving age to 18 would be appropriate. In regards to 'what's the difference between 16-17?', maybe not much, but at 18 there is. Responsibility should be given to the responsible. Texting while driving is extremely irresponsible and unsafe.

And regarding the elderly drivers: WATCH OUT. I will admit I have more concern for elderly drivers than I do teen drivers. While a handful of teen drivers are irresponsible and scary to drive next to, it doesn't compare to the amount of accidents I've almost been in because of the cute little old lady with her hands at 10 & 2. Teens are constantly scrutinized and almost have that 'new-driver' fear of cops & accidents. But the people who've been driving for who knows how long have lost that fear along with their vision & reaction time. Unfortunately age doesn't really determine the driving eligibility with elderly (and sometimes teens)because you've got the 70 year old who's hunched over with arthritis and another 70 year old who runs marathons like he's 50. I think that driving tests & written tests should be taken every 5 years after the age of 55 to ensure that not only they're capable but also to ensure that they're aware of new laws & guidelines.

Just my opinion.