The question of whether an individual should be over 21 years old to drive is always contentious. Even though there are several valid arguments for increasing the driving age to 21, I believe that raising the age alone will not significantly improve road safety.
Proponents of a minimum driving age of 21 often argue that this limit would reduce the accidents caused by younger, less mature drivers. For instance, my cousin had a great passion for bike stunts and races, but the elders in the family were concerned for his safety. Participating in stunts and races can be fatal. However, with professional training and safety measures, he has become a very successful bike racer.
On the other hand, raising the driving age to 21 could lead to unintended consequences, such as increased frustration among young adults who are fully capable of driving. I recall one incident during a road trip when one of our friends, who was well above the age of 21, crashed the car into a tree. Fortunately, nobody got hurt. Upon asking, he said that he was the only person who was over 21 and legally fit to drive. Had he stepped down and given my other friend the opportunity to drive, who technically holds a valid driver’s license but is not yet 21, we might have avoided the accident. Additionally, raising the age limit can have adverse effects on young people who attend college or work part-time. They may be more likely to take risks by driving without proper documentation.
In conclusion, while there are compelling arguments for raising the driving age to 21, I believe this approach may not directly alleviate unsafe driving conditions. Instead, enhancing driver education and promoting responsible training would lead to improved road safety for all age groups.