Some people think that the best way to improve road safety is to increase the minimum legal age for driving a car or motorbike. 

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Enhancing road safety is a paramount concern, and the proposition of elevating the minimum legal age for driving a motorised vehicle has garnered attention as a potential solution. I firmly support the idea of raising the minimum legal driving age as an effective strategy to enhance road safety.

Firstly, adolescents and young adults are more prone to risk-taking behaviours due to their underdeveloped decision-making faculties. Increasing the driving age would allow these individuals more time to mature emotionally and mentally, resulting in more cautious and responsible drivers. For example, countries like Japan and Germany have successfully implemented higher minimum driving ages, leading to statistically lower rates of accidents involving young drivers.

Furthermore, the advent of modern technology and distractions exacerbates the risks associated with young drivers. Smartphones, social media, gaming devices and other digital platforms divert attention away from the road and young people are more addicted users of those digital technologies. By postponing the age at which individuals can drive, authorities can therefore ensure that new drivers are better equipped to navigate the complexities of modern driving environments without succumbing to distractions like this. This could result in fewer accidents caused by impaired concentration. For instance, more percentages of young drivers are prone to use their mobile phones than their adult counterparts while driving. Thus they are at more risk of road accidents due to distractions by mobile technology.

In conclusion, the proposal to elevate the minimum legal age for driving a car or motorbike is a practical step towards improving road safety. The inherent immaturity and susceptibility to distractions among young drivers render them more prone to accidents. By providing these individuals with additional time to mature and develop sound decision-making skills, we can reduce the incidence of road accidents and create a safer environment for all road users.

Sample Answer 2: [Disagreement]

Many people propose increasing the minimum legal age for driving a car or motorbike as they believe it is the most effective approach to ensure road safety. However, I hold a contrasting viewpoint on this matter. I think that more effective alternative strategies are there that we should explore to address road safety rather than simply raising the legal age to be eligible for a driver's license.

Firstly, the effectiveness of raising the minimum driving age is debatable. While it is true that younger drivers may lack experience and mature decision-making abilities, these shortcomings can be mitigated through comprehensive driver education and training programmes. By enhancing the quality of driver education and instilling responsible driving habits at an earlier age, authorities can equip young drivers with the skills needed to navigate complex road situations. Perhaps, this is why, countries that facilitate comprehensive training and skills as a means to obtaining a driver's license have better road safety records than their counterparts.

Additionally, age-based restrictions overlook individual variations in cognitive and emotional development. Not all individuals mature at the same pace, and imposing a blanket age limit may unfairly penalise responsible and capable young drivers. Rather than focusing solely on age, evaluating the readiness of each individual through rigorous driving tests and assessments can ensure that only competent drivers are granted licenses.

Finally, the modern driving landscape is evolving rapidly, with advancements in technology reshaping the way vehicles are operated and controlled. Instead of limiting young drivers' access to vehicles, policymakers should invest in incorporating advanced safety features and driver-assistance technologies into vehicles. This would provide an added layer of protection for all drivers, regardless of their age or experience level. For instance, a recent survey conducted in many Asian countries proves that cars with the latest safety features are less likely to cause serious casualties than older cars that lack the proper safety features.

In conclusion, the notion of increasing the minimum legal age for driving as a means to enhance road safety oversimplifies the multifaceted nature of the issue. Effective driver education, personalized assessments of readiness, and the integration of advanced safety technologies offer more nuanced and equitable strategies to promote safer roads without stifling the mobility and opportunities of young individuals.