“Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death among American teenagers, accounting for approximately one-third of all deaths in this age group” (Crisp) . In real terms, road accidents kill more than 5,000 teenagers each year (Gregory). These statistics are frightening and have led more than 50 percent of adults to support a higher age requirement for obtaining a driver's license (Gregory). Adolescents believe that this would be unfair and would make their lives difficult. Meeting the needs of Indiana teens while keeping them and other drivers safe can be accomplished through a more restrictive graduated licensing law. Current licensing law in Indiana is graduated. Teenagers must be at least 15 years old to start driver training. At 15, a teenager who takes driver training obtains a license; otherwise, you must be 16 years old. You must have a 180-day permit. In addition, you must be 16 and a half years old to obtain a probationary license if you have taken driving training or 16 and a half years if you have not. The probationary license has rules regarding 50 hours of supervised driving, passengers, night driving and cell phone use (Teen Driving Requirements). All of these are important, but they don't seem to be enough. Proponents of a higher driving age have many valid arguments and questions about whether teens really need to drive as early as they do now (Gregory). Researchers at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety say that "raising the driving age makes sense and would save lives" (quoted in Gregory). They also claim that "licensing at an older age would significantly reduce accidents involving teenage drivers" (quoted in Gregory). It seems like a lot of people agree with them. For example, Crisp states, "Handling several thousand pounds of automobiles at highway speeds is... middle of paper... that people are involved in." Statistics from Illinois and New Jersey also support this (Gregory). While experts could examine which restrictions are most helpful in reducing teen driving deaths, some solutions could include raising the minimum age to begin driver training to 15 ¾ and to obtain a license with training driver at 16. could get a license at 16 ¼. After six months, you could obtain a probationary license. The 50 supervised hour restriction and limited number of passengers are expected to remain the same. Night driving could be even more restricted unless the driver is traveling to or from work. Restrictions on cell phone use should remain the same and penalties for violating driving laws should be strict. Then, at eighteen, you must be ready to obtain an unrestricted license. This plan could meet the needs of Indiana teens and protect them, too.