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USA Today published an article regarding the adjustment of the driving age to 18. The reason behind this adjustment is due to a study conducted by the National Institute of Health.

Apparently, the part of the brain that makes crucial decision making skills isn't fully developed until age 25 (could this be why adults aren't granted a huge break in their cost of car insurance until 25?). At age 16, however, this part of the brain is very under developed compared to that of an 18 year old.

The debate on age requirements to obtain a drivers license in the US has been one that has been going on for years. 1,000 people were polled the question:

At what age do you think people should be permitted to have a driver's license?

In May of 1995, 46% of those polled said 16 years old.
In December of 2004, 35% of those polled said 16 years old.

The increase of the driving age may also have cost benefits where car insurance is concerned. At 16 there are more accidents than any other age group. It's reported that one in five 16 year olds will be in a car accident. One of the determinants of a car insurance premium is the statistics of the age groups of drivers. Younger drivers (especially males) typically have higher premiums than other drivers (due to higher risk of accidents and traffic violations). As a driver ages and is considered a good driver (no accidents or outstanding tickets) their premium typically lowers.

So, 18 might not be so bad afterall...