Originally Posted by
Suburban
So as far as you're concerned they aren't adults until 21? In that case, college and university should part of public education and young adults shouldn't be able to join the army or sign legal documents until they are 21. It seems when it's convenient to the masses, under 21 are "still children".
Whoa there. I said that parts of the brain aren't fully developed until age 21. This includes the pre-frontal cortex--crucial for judgment and planning and other faculties needed for safe driving. This statement is based on science, not ageism--and I also I also think driving age should be determined on a scientific basis, not political interests.
I did
not say that I think the driving age should be raised. I don'[t know whether it should or not. Young people have other advantages (like faster reaction times) that might ompensate for incompletely developed brain regions. I'd love to see the research done that would support good policy on teen-age drivers.
It's weird that we spend so much money on cancer research, but much less on driving research--even though auto accidents are the leading cause of death among children and teens.