Face-to-Face is a feature that allows two members of the Redwood community to grill each other, argue, or simply converse about a relevant issue or event. We provide the topic, and they do the rest. This month’s participants are junior twins Mackenzie and Lauren Hutchinson. The issue: Should teens get their license as soon as they turn 16?
In your opinion, should teens feel obligated to get their license as soon as they turn 16?
Mackenzie Hutchinson: Teens shouldn’t feel obligated to, because when they turn 16, they sometimes don’t feel ready, like me.
Lauren Hutchinson: I feel like you should get your license around the time you turn 16 because it teaches teenagers to become more responsible.
MH: But we’re not responsible!
LH: Because we’re taking on more responsibilities—like we get to work
more around the house, drive our siblings places. And let me say, when I got my license, I drove places. I’d pick you up from cheerleading. And then you also get to learn about the value of money, because of gas prices and stuff like that. I think it teaches you to become more self-reliable. I just really wanted to get my license so I could get myself places when I wanted to, without having to rely on my parents.
Did you feel any pressure from your friends, parents or each other to get your permit and license?
MH: I didn’t feel any pressure because all my friends could drive, so I didn’t really need to. And I was kind of afraid to drive, it freaked me out.
In some states, you must be 17 or older to get your license. Do you agree with this policy? Why or why not?
MH: I disagree because–
LH: No let me go!
MH: Ugh. Okay.
LH: I think it should be 17 even though a lot of teenagers would disagree with that. When we’re 16, we do drive our friends around, we blast music, we’re young—
MH: Which is why we shouldn’t be pressured into getting our license, because we are irresponsible!
LH: I think in places where it’s 16, it’s okay. But in New York, it’s more dangerous. Life is busier in cities.
MH: At the same time, [California] has one of the highest rates of pedestrians being hit in the United States.
LH: That doesn’t have to do with drivers, that has to do with pedestrians walking into the streets because they’re stupid.
MH: I think it’s also because of cars hitting people.
LH: Because they walk out into the street without looking!
Do you think there would be fewer accidents if the minimum age was raised or would there be no difference?
MH: I think that there would definitely be less accidents.
LH: I’m going to disagree with you for funzies. I believe that it doesn’t really depend because when you first get your license, you’re more cautious when driving because you’re just staring out and are more focused. As you continue, you become more distracted because you feel more comfortable driving. You think, ‘oh I can drink coffee while I’m driving or eat a burrito, because I’m a good driver, right? I could talk on the phone and multitask.’ Which makes it more dangerous. People justify their driving abilities by their age.
Why do you think teens delay getting their licenses?
LH: Teenagers are lazy! And also, a lot of people like to get their license early—so for the people that don’t get their license early, they see no need to go through the troubles of getting their license because their friends and siblings can be depended on.
MH: That’s why I didn’t get my license when I turned 16!
LH: Because she has people, like me—
MH: No you didn’t pick me up! I had friends pick me up.
Anything else to add?
LH: Well basically, me and Mackenzie have never agreed on anything or seen eye to eye on any situation. I think that although you should be comfortable, you should get your license at an early age because it teaches teenagers how to be responsible. I won! I won the debate!
MH: When people are 16 and get their license, it sometimes puts pressure on their families based on economic status. They’ll want a car, they’ll have to pay for gas, and so they might be going against the parents who might want their kid to wait. So it’s not just a kid’s decision. It’s also their family’s.
