by State Representative Robert S. Hargraves

There is currently a bill pending to raise the driving age to 17 ½, from 16 ½.  While I understand the anxiety generated by the recent rash of teenage fatal accidents, I do not feel that raising the age would be the answer.  Parents must take a more prominent role in teaching their teens responsibility:  increase driving requirements with more actual driving experience, hold parents and teens responsible for teens that violate the current laws.  I have heard from many parents on this issue and all have been against increasing the age for obtaining a drivers license while at the same time supporting an increase in the age for a learners permit. Responsible teens should not be penalized.

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