Having the right vehicle insurance is one thing but there is much more to the argument about what we should expect from teenage drivers.  For as long as people have been driving motor vehicles there have been arguments as to whether it is safe to allow teenagers to start driving.  In earlier times it was thought that adult hood began at the age of 21, the time at which people gained the right to vote in democratic elections.

As pressure mounted on younger generations to assume more responsibility, especially in times of war, the adult voting age dropped to 18 and naturally equal pressure began to mount to allow 18-year-olds vote and obtain driver's licences.  It was thought that with adequate training and driver education there was no reason to fear an 18-year-old assuming the responsibilities of the driver.

Since that time however statistics have emerged that suggest that younger drivers may need more experience and training before being allowed behind the wheel. There have been many suggestions made in the media and in online forums about ways and methods of reducing accidents that have apparently been caused by younger drivers.  These include limiting younger drivers to cars with smaller engines or fitting vehicles with speed limiters.

Here are some arguments that have been presented in favour of speed limiters.

• With vehicles limited to a top speed of 80 km/h, it would be more likely for younger drivers to avoid the problems that come with high speed driving.
• In some States of Australia learner drivers are prohibited from driving faster than 80 km/h.  It is argued that this does not place any undue stress on other drivers on the road and in fact this limitation encourages safer driving habits.
• High-speed is a factor in most fatalities involving younger drivers.  If this simple fact is acknowledged, then speed limitations will naturally lead to less fatalities for young drivers.  

Here are some counter arguments.

• Even if the vehicle is fitted with speed limiters, say 80 km/h, this will not stop driving at higher speeds in low limit speed zones.  This goes to the point that the physical capacity of the vehicle is not the issue at all.
• Driving is a dangerous occupation at the best of times and speed is only one element when it comes to assessing safety.  Surely the most logical deficit is experience, that's why it's important for young drivers to have more instructions before they had their licences granted.
• It is better to have drivers tested under extreme conditions of difficulty before granting them a licence.  This ensures that all licence holders have their skill is maximised and this will contribute to road safety more than limiting speed.

As you can see, this is a heated discussion which has arguments on both sides.  Although we are always concerned about the cost of our car insurance policy, perhaps we will all benefit from safer driving methods which would result in not only reduced premiums, but also more safety on the roads.