Fewer accidents?

In many parts of America, you need a car to get anywhere. This means that, in order to lead a normal life in most parts of the United States, one must obtain a drivers' license, which means at least passing a drivers' test and not having any disability which prevents one from driving. In many states, getting a drivers' license also involves taking a driving course, at least for people of a certain age. Aspiring drivers may also be required to complete a certain number of hours of driving. Such requirements are needed to prevent accidents, but they can cause unforeseen problems and difficulties. If driving were optional in the United States, ensuring driver and passenger safety would be much more straightforward. However, denying someone the privilege of driving in the United States severely limits that person, creating a difficulty greater than that created by some disabilities. People who cannot drive must limit themselves to living in places with good public transportation. Being unable to drive limits the jobs a person can take, and may be a factor in not being considered for employment.

Since the infrastructure of so many places in the United States practically requires people to drive, people who are not that good at driving although they may past the requisite tests(i.e. not good at multitasking, poor eyesight but not legally blind, are easily distracted, etc.), must still get behind the wheel instead of leaving the operation of a motor vehicle in more competent hands. How many accidents have occurred which could have been prevented by the availability of a reliable bus or an affordable, dependable taxi? Were Americans less car dependent, it would be feasible to tighten the requirements for obtaining a license. The law treats driving as a privilege, while, in our society, it seems like it is more, almost like it must be a right. Americans would be much safer if being able to drive were more often merely a convenience, not a necessity of life.