Sweet 16 (or is it?)

You are probably all looking forward to turning sixteen, for one simple reason: you believe you will be able to get your driver's license. This means freedom for you and for your parents- you will be able to transport yourself to the places where you need and want to be.

Although you may be excited about gaining your independence at 16, many states are not. They want to restrict your driving freedom, citing that young drivers cause the most accidents. In response to this, a number of states have enacted a Graduated Driver Licensing Program, which are new laws that raise the driving age and put more restrictions on young drivers. These states claim that distractions and simple inexperience cause more accidents.

Illinois is one of the states that has recently placed restrictions upon young drivers. Drivers today will not get their full, unrestricted license until the age of 18. Young drivers now have to spend 25 hours of time practicing driving with their parents before getting their license, and three months of time must pass between getting permit and obtaining a license. As of January, 2004, it's illegal for a first time driver to have more that one "friend" in the car at a time for the first six months that they are driving. Furthermore, there is a zero tolerance policy for teenagers who are not wearing their seat belts or who have stayed out past their curfew. The punishments are guaranteed and are severe. The hope is that through these restrictions, the number of teen accidents will decrease.

Who do you agree with? Do you believe that Illinois is acting in the interest of safety by enacting the Graduated License Program? Or are the laws too restrictive, unfairly assuming that all young drivers are going to be bad drivers?

Write a persuasive letter to the Secretary of State stating your position.