Some people believe that the best way to increase road safety is to increase the minimum legal age for driving cars and riding motorbikes. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

REPORTED ON 16 OCTOBER, 2021

 It is suggested that increasing the age of issuing driving licenses especially to those who ride motorbikes and drive cars is the most effective way to increase safety on roads. Although it is one of the effective ways to curb accidents and traffic violations, I feel there are better ways to do so.

 To begin, it is an undisputable fact that a significant number of car and bike accidents happen on the roads when compared to other vehicles, and when analysed critically, more than half of these are caused by young drivers. It can be seen that most of those who are involved in such accidents and violations of traffic must have just crossed their adolescence.

 The probable reasons behind this are over-speed to experience the thrill and curiosity in experimenting with driving skills. It is a fact that these types of behaviour are seen more among the young drivers. Peer pressure for racing at this age is also seen as a contributing factor of accidents. Therefore, it is always better to delay the issue of licenses to drive these vehicles at least for two years after crossing the adolescence age.

 However, there exist better ways to ensure safety on roads. One such way is to educate the drivers with the safety measures periodically. Another way is to upgrade their skills by conducting assessments at regular intervals. Authorities have to identify the accident prone areas and take appropriate measures to prevent accidents. Last but not least, making the traffic rules stringent can also bring about positive results.

 To conclude, it is a fact that increasing the minimum legal age of driving cars and bikes can ensure safety on roads. However, I believe there are better ways to make it happen.