According to the United States Department of Transportation, in 1997 motor vehicle deaths per thousand peaked at age 18. For example, on a rainy night, parents may restrict their child's curfew or driving privileges as they see fit. The age of driving is not as significant as the parental supervision of the driver. As a result, new inexperienced drivers are more likely to be on the road in circumstances which will endanger many. According to the MVA, parents have the ability to negate an underage child's license when necessary.
Teenagers are anxious for the freedom they gain as new drivers.
Teenagers want to drive as soon as possible. In their first year of driving, a driver has a provisional driver's license, which restricts driving between the hours of 12 a.m. and 5 a.m. Regardless of accidents or points on the driving record, this provision is lifted at the age of 18 because the driver is then an adult. This program helps teach young drivers the responsibilities of driving, while still imposing restrictions for protection issues. Giving drivers full benefits at 18 would mean more inexperienced drivers at dangerous hours.