The driving age was the topic of one KSPR Daily Download segment. An auto insurance group is calling on states to raise the driving age from 16 to 17 or even 18 years old. We wanted to know if you think the age should be raised to 17. A majority of people said ‘yes.’ However a lot of viewers said age isn’t the issue with safe driving; it’s a matter of responsibility and training.

Do you think the driving age should be increased to 17? Keep the discussion going by leaving your thoughts below.

Remember, you can sign up to receive our Daily Download straight to your phone before the newscast every day. Just click here to sign up.

Here are your Talk Backs…

“Yes it should be raised thats a great idea.”

“No.”

“Yes.” –Christy

“Yes. With age comes maturity n most cases.”

“Yes, kids need that extra year to mature in order to fully understand the responsibility.”

“No, just more drivers ed.”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“Forget 17 - kids shouldn't be allowed to get a license until they have at least 2 years of driver training and have graduated from high school.”

“Yes I think girls driving age should be raised. ( the boys could get more dates that way )” –Dave

“Hecks no.”

“No, It has nothing to do with age at all in my opinion. It has to do with experience. I am 15 and I have my permit and I have gotten alot of practice. I think they should just give a more vigerous driving test instead of raising the age limit.”

“I believe the age should be 18 and then should require a comprehensive Drivers Ed completion and to have been driving with a licensed driver from the age of 16 to 18. This would insure that a young driver had the experience to make the correct decisions when called upon.” –Gary, Hollister

“I think the age should be left the same. BUt i do think a lot of the kids that cant drive itts their parents fault for not taking the time to show them the correct way. they pretty mucch just throw them the keys.. whick aint right at all.” –Lindsey

“They already are changing the way we watch televison Now they want to take the age of driving I belive we need to focus on the elderly driving.”

“Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.”

“It takes experience behind the wheel & a responsible driver as well. neither of these are tied to age.”

“I am 20 years old and yes i do think that the age limit should be changed because in the West Plains area it is the teen drivers that are in and causes the most accidents.” –Jonah,
“I think that sence the legal age to be sued is 18 and having legal age of concent to have control of there own bodies.I cant understand why it would be leagal under the age of 18 to make decions over someone eles life in a moving vehicle.” –Gene, Caulfield
“Yes because they would have have more experience driving then they wood when they are 16.” –Brittani, Ozark
“If car accidents is the leading cause of death for teens, then it would be in their best interest for the driving age to change.” –Celene

“The age shouldn't be an issure, a drivers liscence should only be isssued at the completion of High School, with a diploma or a GED, this would decrease the drop-out rate and give High School kids a better reason, at least in their minds, to stay in school.” –Mark, Springfield

“I not only think we should raise the age but also have a better education program in place for all drivers how many times have you seen even adults turn with out siginaling or pass with no warning or signal, no headlights when raining . I wonder how many young people would be driving if both they and thier parents got a ticket when they (the youth)get stopped and tickted till they turn 18 just a thought.”

“Yes.”