[stan4]

Teenagers' crappy driving is the number one way they kill themselves (and god knows how many other people they hurt). I'm for it.

[akafish77]

Despite being someone who just moved out of these restrictions, I still have several arguments against them.

1. Anyone that is under 18 does not have the right to vote, yet their rights are being taken away. I can't think of a single situation where that is right. I recall a revolution about something like that.

2. Playing percentages sets a bad precedent. Sure, teenagers might be more likely to drive badly, but so what. Statistically, black males are more likely than other groups to commit crimes. Should we start rounding up all the black males in the state and throwing them in prison. NO! Punish people for doing something wrong, not for belonging to a demographic. The majority of black males are not criminals and the majority of teenagers are not bad drivers.

[stan4]

I'm not sure children have 'rights,' per se.

Many studies have shown that teenagers (most, even) do not have the developed judgement to be consistently safe drivers.

Then again, I think the driving tests should be way harder for everyone.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by akafish77

Despite being someone who just moved out of these restrictions, I still have several arguments against them.

1. Anyone that is under 18 does not have the right to vote, yet their rights are being taken away. I can't think of a single situation where that is right. I recall a revolution about something like that.

2. Playing percentages sets a bad precedent. Sure, teenagers might be more likely to drive badly, but so what. Statistically, black males are more likely than other groups to commit crimes. Should we start rounding up all the black males in the state and throwing them in prison. NO! Punish people for doing something wrong, not for belonging to a demographic. The majority of black males are not criminals and the majority of teenagers are not bad drivers.

huh, what does not having the right to vote have to do with taking their rights away from them. I see it the opposite way, they can not vote and pretty much are under the control of those who do make the laws. It isn't solely a matter of rights anyway, it is a matter of maturity and experience.

Nita

[akafish77]

Originally Posted by nmnita

huh, what does not having the right to vote have to do with taking their rights away from them. I see it the opposite way, they can not vote and pretty much are under the control of those who do make the laws. It isn't solely a matter of rights anyway, it is a matter of maturity and experience.

Nita

It matters because they don't have a voice politically. Those that are making these laws face no reprecussions from that group that they are effecting. My reference was to the American Revolution. The part that angered the "rebels" was not that they were being taxed, it was that they were being taxed without the ability to have any say in the how much those taxes were or what they went to.

On the same note, I don't think that anyone under 18 should have to pay income tax.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by akafish77

It matters because they don't have a voice politically. Those that are making these laws face no reprecussions from that group that they are effecting. My reference was to the American Revolution. The part that angered the "rebels" was not that they were being taxed, it was that they were being taxed without the ability to have any say in the how much those taxes were or what they went to.

On the same note, I don't think that anyone under 18 should have to pay income tax.

Oh my, you are talking about so many different things, maybe this is the reason for the restrictions, anyone using the comparisons you are using like not all blacks are criminals etc isn't thinking straight.

The fight to vote, drink, etc has nothing to do with driving. If society or law makeres, which are part of the adult society puts restrictions on young people until a certain age there is a reason for that. I could rationize it, that what you are saying is, kids at 10 should be allowed to drive, or a 12 year old should be able to take his allowance to the casino. Anybody is old enough the buy cigarettes and smoke. Of course you don't believe this or I certainly don't think you do.

Paying or not paying income taxes is a completely different matter.

I am guessing, from your comments you have recently turned 18, you are probably going to college next year, if you are not, already a freshman and you write like you have a good head on your shoulders, but your lack of reasoning power also shows.

People mature from birth to death or certainly lets hope we continue to mature. At every level of life we gain responsibilities and knowledge. With that comes additional rights. Driving is one of them.

I think people past a certain age should have to take a drivers test in order to continue driving. of course if it is determined they either should not drive or should have a restricted license it is time to tell them they don't have to pay income tax either.

Nita

[akafish77]

Haha, sorry if I was bringing too many issues up. And while I am still in college, it has been a while since I turned 18.

I have no problem with restrictions based upon ability, my problem is with the fact that they are using age rather than ability to judge. Yes, most teenagers are going to be less likely to be good drivers, but I don't think that they should be punished for being a teenager. If the driving test were made to weed out any bad drivers, then those 12 year old kids would not get their licence because they wouldn't have the ability to drive anyway. Or maybe just have people take the drivers test while talking on the phone, then everyone would have the same guidelines.

Sorry if any of this comes across the wrong way, I just prefer freedom above all of the other qualities of America, including safety. Thus, while most consider my reasoning to be a little quirky, according to my priorities, it is spot on. Perception is reality and what not.

[Towhee]

Originally Posted by LSU Tiger Z71

I totally disagree.

What a way to restrict freedoms in an increasing nanny state. Parents should judge whether their kids can drive a car and if they choose to finance such an enterprise.

Growing up, the best times were had on a Saturday night riding around in my truck with a bunch of guys doing all kinds of fun things...

My child will be allowed to drive.. I will pay whatever penalty it is (under 10k.)

Will 10k compensate for a life lost????? Maybe your child's.... maybe someone else's due to your child's driving.....

And the comment you made in post # 18 sounds as though it may be due to your driving!!!

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by akafish77

Haha, sorry if I was bringing too many issues up. And while I am still in college, it has been a while since I turned 18.

I have no problem with restrictions based upon ability, my problem is with the fact that they are using age rather than ability to judge. Yes, most teenagers are going to be less likely to be good drivers, but I don't think that they should be punished for being a teenager. If the driving test were made to weed out any bad drivers, then those 12 year old kids would not get their licence because they wouldn't have the ability to drive anyway. Or maybe just have people take the drivers test while talking on the phone, then everyone would have the same guidelines.

Sorry if any of this comes across the wrong way, I just prefer freedom above all of the other qualities of America, including safety. Thus, while most consider my reasoning to be a little quirky, according to my priorities, it is spot on. Perception is reality and what not.

Judging by ability would be a little tough. I don't think it comes down to young people (teens) not knowing how to drive if all goes well, it is the consentration issue and the reaction in cases of danger. I can give you a personal example: our 23 year old granddaughter, who by the way, is a very good driver was in 2 accidents before she was 17 or maybe the second one was shortly after her 17th birthday. The first one, she was watching a pile up on the other side of the street and ramped the car in front of her, the second one, she was with a couple of girl friends, they had stopped at a drive thru to buy lunch. When they drove out she was passing out food instead of watching where she was going. She broad sided another car. Luckily no one was hurt in either case and they were relatively mild accidents but both were caused by a consentration situation and a lack of experience. i think until kids have been driving for a year or so they are better off not to have other kids in the car and I don't think anyone should use a cell phone and drive unless they are on the open highway with almost no traffic. This goes for anyone.

Nita

[NorArkHog]

I think it's a great idea. A full car of teenagers equals troubles... how do I know? I was once one. Plus not allowing them to drive late at night is also good because of drunk drivers out during those times.