- Anything Else -

It's not that simple.

Posted by: Eric ( some guy in Massachusetts, USA ) on December 14, 1999 at 10:27:21:

In Reply to: Should the Florida Legislature change the legal driving age from 16 to 18. posted by Lauren on December 02, 1999 at 17:51:15:

It's not that simple. The legislature is concerned for safety.

Here in Massachusetts, the driving age is 16.5. Don't ask how they picked that. If you ask somebody who's between 16.5 and 17 how old they are, they answer 16.5, like they're six years old and counting the fractions.

A year ago, the Massachusetts imposed restrictions. They increased the penalties for speeding and drugs, but only for teenagers. I'm 16, and I don't give a damn because I don't speed or do drugs(My road test is January 3, wish me luck). They also made it illegal for me to carry teenage passengers for six months after I get my license. A slight problem.

It's not my fault I live in a suburb. If I had my way I would live in a rural area, or even a city. My parents buy organic food, recycle, buy toilet paper made from recycled paper, but they bought a Ford Windstar. I bike when I can, but my parents really like giving me rides. Anyway, the point is, car culture isn't going to change on it's own. Like it or not, and I don't, we teenagers need to drive.

There are other ways to solve the problems. Mandatory driver education for licensed teenagers is one solution. Curfiews could be passed, but only enforced if you're breaking another traffic law. Improved public transportation is safer and better for the planet.

Eric


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