It is very common among teenagers to be extremely enthusiastic when getting a driver's license. By the time they reach the age of 17 they invest most of their money and time on getting this desired license. The privilege of being mobile in life and especially as a teenager is one I believe we should hold close to our chests.
Accidents happen and they will keep on happening. There is nothing we can do against it. This idea of raising the age for getting a driver's license is deceiving. Accidents happen not because of age and physical development. Accidents occur mostly because of drivers driving irresponsibly. This careless driving might evolve from their young age but I believe it mostly has to do with their character. They are reckless and careless people given a deadly weapon which someday will be misused and cause casualties.
Most of us would say that 17 is a quite young and maybe too young for a license and they are probably right. The catch is trying to find the right age. I can easily say that 19 is quite young as well. I don’t see much difference between a 19 year old guy and a 17 one on the road. They are both young and quite mentally immature. All I am saying is that the age doesn't make a difference in this business unless we are ready to bump the age limit to 20+.
To sum up, I believe that raising the age for a driver's license is not the necessary solution. Accidents will keep on happening with 19 and 20 year old people. When driving on the road, it all comes down to character, whether the driver gives to other drivers "right of way" (zhut kdima) or not. That is what will probably make the difference.
