Weird...

When I first came to Saipan, I was thrilled to hear that the minimum driving age is 16. In the other hand, I was very curious why the government have set the driving age so low? However, I didn’t care that time because I was too a minor and was eager to get a driving license. I was doing some web surfing via Korean site, and found weird news saying that 16 year old boy drove a car and got into an accident, WHICH was almost impossible in Korea, but the best part of this news was that the boy was protected by the law!! And I thought to myself… wow Saipan should raise their driving age. There are pros and cons about this.

When teenagers get older, they grow physically and mentally. Their hormones in their bodies settle, which truly allows them to think better. In conclusion rising the driving age to 18 could reduce the amount of accidents. In the legal side, it would make things easier in an accident-situation because then everyone would be an adult, and the courts could have an easier time with cases as they wouldn't have to take considerations for minor vs. adult.

On the other hand, if we rise driving age to 18, people who needs their license could be in difficulty in transportation wise. For people who both parents are out for work and the bus doesn't come to their house, low driving age is very crucial for them. Therefore it is imperative to their education and their parents' work that they could drive their selves. In the teenagers there are some mature young adults. If driving age is high you are holding back kids who are in fact mature enough to take responsibility and are ready to take the plunge. They have less driving experience when going off to college and wouldn't be able to really work until they get their license. In addition youth has the advantage of faster reaction times which might help them to have lesser accidents, but what’s more important is experience and wisdom. Senior citizens might have slower reaction times, but they can pay closer attention to the task and they have already gained an experience.

I’m not saying this because I am over 18, but seriously think that Saipan should take this to a consideration. in my opinion, it should be raised.