Too Young to Drive

There is much talk in the State House of how old children should be before they are allowed to get a driver's license. The popular vote there seems to be that 16 1/2 is too young, and there is a push to move the age up to 17 1/2.

Now, don't get me wrong, when I was coming up on 16, I was all about being soon able to drive. Now, years later, I most certainly have a new opinion. I agree whole-heartedly with those on Capitol Hill, and think that these days "childhood" is something that lasts a lot longer, and the responsibility one must have to drive is NOT something the majority of children is ready to take on at 16 1/2.

One of the weaker arguments presented for keeping the current driving age is that it is "a rite of passage that can usher teenagers into adulthood by teaching them responsibility and providing the freedom to get around without relying on their parents". Look, if you want to usher your kids into adulthood, make them get a job and earn their own money instead of charging them with a responsibility that puts their and other drivers' lives in danger.

Forget 17 1/2. I say push the age to 18. Furthermore, let's make it a requirement to pass a driving test EVERY time you renew your license. Oh, and for all you drunk drivers out there, how about this: one strike, you're out...no more license for life. Handing a vehicle is no joke and is something that should not be treated lightly, and we need to make and enforce legislation that emphasizes it as such.