It was another morning in the Iowa City West High front parking lot when Tyler White ’19, a sophomore attending West High, was hit by another student’s car. An ambulance was called, and soon paramedics were on the scene. Thankfully White was alive. “The first thing I thought after I got hit was what happened. I was so confused because I didn’t know how I ended up on the ground with the paramedics above me. The last thing I remembered was headlights.” said White. But this incident brings up a question that has been around for quite some time. Should teens be allowed to drive?
Teen driving is a serious topic in the United States. Each year, thousands of teens are treated in emergency rooms, and die due to automobile accidents. There are also the deaths and injuries of those involved in these crashes, whether they are passengers or not.

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In Iowa, at the age of fourteen, teens are able to get a driver’s permit, allowing them to practice driving with an adult in the passenger’s seat. At the age of sixteen, teens are able to get a driver’s license, allowing them to drive without an adult present in the vehicle. Many people think this is too young to drive, but others believe teens starting young is a good thing.
“I think sixteen is a good age to get a license because you are able to get driving experience at a young age.” said sophomore Mitchell Pottratz ’19, “I think a lot of teens are just as bad as some adult drivers that I see. We are new so we pay more attention and have a faster reaction time.” This opinion is shared by many West High students. “I think teens should start younger to get more practice.” said Matthew McDonnell ’19.

When asking White if he was scared of driving and of teens driving after getting hit by an automobile he responded by saying, “It didn’t change my views on teen driving because they should know how to drive, but some may be incapable and should be more aware. It didn’t change my views on teen driving because they should know how to drive, but some may be incapable and should be more aware.” When asked about the mistakes McDonnell sees teens make the most he said, “The mistakes I see teens make most is speeding and running red lights.” “The only thing I would say to West High drivers is to stay safe, drive slow, and make sure you are always looking out for pedestrians. One thing I still can’t understand is how out of two thousand I was the one kid who got hit because you always hear of something happening to someone else and not yourself.” said White. Remember, drivers of all ages need to be aware to drive safely to protect others, and yourself. As always, drive safe West High.