Some people think the best way to improve road safety is to increase the minimum legal age for driving cars and motorcycles. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

There has been an ongoing debate about the most effective strategies to improve

safety

on public streets. Some policy experts believe increasing the minimum legal age for driving motor vehicles is the most effective way to curb accidents.

While

this

approach may appear to be a logical solution, I strongly disagree with

this

perspective.

This

essay will critically evaluate the issue,

while

also

exploring broader factors that contribute to

transportation

safety

. One of the main arguments for raising the minimum driving eligibility is that young motorists are statistically more likely to be involved in crashes. Adolescents are often prone to impulsivity, leading to risky behaviours

such

as speeding or drunk driving.

Nevertheless

,

this

argument oversimplifies the problem by attributing high collision rates primarily to youth and inexperience.

For instance

, in Finland, a country with stringent driver education programs, the accident rate among young license holders remains low, suggesting that youth alone is not the determining factor in traffic

safety

.

Moreover

, research has shown that a significant number of accidents are caused by experienced motorists, often

due to

insufficient awareness or poor decision-making.

In addition

, inadequate traffic infrastructure,

such

as poorly maintained streets or the absence of pedestrian walkways, can increase the likelihood of incidents.

For example

, in many urban areas, the lack of dedicated cycling lanes forces cyclists onto busy avenues, exacerbating the risk of collisions.

As a result

, focusing solely on the maturity of vehicle operators ignores the broader, systemic issues that affect street conditions and urban mobility. To genuinely enhance

transportation

safety

, I contend that policymakers should adopt a more comprehensive approach.

Firstly

, governments should prioritize public education campaigns that target all license holders, not just young people.

For example

, governments can broadcast TV commercials showing the stories of families who have lost loved ones, emphasizing the devastating consequences of reckless driving.

Furthermore

, investment in infrastructure—

such

as safer pedestrian pathways, cycling lanes, and efficient public

transportation

systems—would reduce the need for car use and create a safer environment for all commuters. In conclusion,

while

restricting the minimum driving threshold might seem like a straightforward solution, it is ultimately a superficial fix.

Thus

, the root causes of

transportation

safety

problems, including inadequate infrastructure and a lack of driver awareness, must be addressed to see a meaningful reduction in vehicular accidents.