Licensing Age in Ontario

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Licensing Age In Ontario

Jordan Bauer

Ms. Demeter

ENG4C-02

January 10,2013

Statistics

Government Happy with Current Rule

34% of the deaths of fifteen to twenty four year old people, were the result of an automobile accident. Also while they only account for 13.6% of the population, they were involved in 25% of the auto accidents

For a inexperienced driver to gain experience they must only do one thing; drive! Sounds simple enough right? Wrong. If the driving age in Ontario were to increase the accidents of new driver's wouldnt decrease, just the age group involved will. The age of a driver is not the main factor in this statistic, it is the fact these drivers are inexperienced. Increasing the driving age will only delay the inevitable. All in all the government or the ministry of transportation are happy with the current law and as of now do not plan to change the legal driving age in Ontario.

Where The Ministry of Transportation Stands

The Ministry of Transportation agrees that the average 16 year-old has sufficient maturity and judgment to handle the responsibility of driving. Nevertheless, they're concerned by the number of collisions involving young people and inexperienced drivers. That is why they introduced the Graduated Licensing System in 1994.The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) realizes many teenagers regard a driver's license as an important step towards independence and adulthood. Some would even like to see the driving age lowered to 15. Statistics, however, show that drivers between 16 and 20 are involved in the greatest number of collisions per age group.

Question at Hand

Does this statistic show that young drivers are not as skilled or suited to be licensed? Although these statistics may show that young drivers are resulting in more accidents does this mean the driving age is in need of change?

The Teen Brain

The teen brain is at a particularly vulnerable point in development. Fifteen and 16year olds have the logical reasoning of an adult, experts say. But their young minds’ social and emotional development relatively immature and voraciously seeks sensual arousal, novelty and risk. The teenage brain also is particularly vulnerable to distraction and peer pressure, and is undergoing explosive development. The front portion of the brain — which includes control of impulses, judgment and decision-making, and the coordination of multi-tasking — matures deep into the 20s, research shows.

Current Laws in Ontario

Driving; Privilege or Responsibility

To be a licensed driver in Ontario you must meet the following criteria: must be 16 years of age or older, pass an eye exam, and lastly pass a test of the rules and procedures of driving in Ontario. Once a person receives their G1 license they are then able to drive a vehicle only when accompanied by a person with their full G license and has had it for over four years. One year after your G1 was issued a person is eligible to test for their G2, in which they can then drive by themselves, but between midnight and 5 am, may only have one passenger under 19 years of age in the vehicle.

Young Drivers: The High Risk years

An Essential

Driving is one of the most essential parts in some people's lives. Every person in Canada without disabilities or restrictions has the opportunity to drive, although this is a privilege, it is also a huge responsibility. Driving a vehicle is a test of good judgment, perception, split second decisions, and awareness. These are all skills developed throughout a person's life, but the age these skills are fully developed differ from person to person, and some people's skills are sharper and better than others. One of the large questions we face is; is a persons skills developed by the time they are 16 years old and are eligible to get their license under the current laws.

photo credit Nasa / Goddard Space Flight Center / Reto Stöckli