LSAT Explanation PT 23, S2, Q26: Editorialist: Additional restrictions should be placed

LSAT Question Stem

Each of the following, if true, weakens the argument that teenagers lack basic driving skills EXCEPT: 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Weaken question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

The question type for this problem is Weaken, and specifically, it is a Weaken Except question. We are asked to find the answer choice that does NOT weaken the argument presented in the passage.

The argument in the passage is structured as follows:

Premise: Teenagers (age 19 and younger) make up only 7% of registered drivers but are responsible for over 14% of traffic fatalities.

Conclusion: Additional restrictions should be placed on teenagers' driver's licenses because they lack basic driving skills.

Our "Evaluate" question for this argument would be: "Are there any other factors that could explain the higher percentage of traffic fatalities involving teenagers?"

Now, let's analyze the answer choices:

a) Teenagers tend to drive older and less stable cars than other drivers.

This weakens the argument by suggesting that the higher percentage of traffic fatalities could be due to the quality of the cars teenagers drive, rather than their lack of basic driving skills.

b) Teenagers and their passengers are less likely to use seat belts and shoulder straps than others.

This weakens the argument by providing an alternative explanation for the higher percentage of traffic fatalities involving teenagers – their lower usage of safety equipment.

c) Teenagers drive, on average, over twice as far each year as other drivers.

This weakens the argument by suggesting that the higher percentage of traffic fatalities could be due to the greater distance teenagers drive, rather than their lack of basic driving skills.

d) Teenagers cause car accidents that are more serious than those caused by others.

This answer choice does not weaken the argument, as it supports the idea that teenagers may lack basic driving skills, leading to more serious accidents. Therefore, this is the correct answer.

e) Teenagers are likely to drive with more passengers than the average driver.

This weakens the argument by providing another possible explanation for the higher percentage of traffic fatalities involving teenagers – having more passengers in the car, which could lead to more fatalities in case of an accident.

In summary, answer choices (a), (b), (c), and (e) all weaken the argument by providing alternative explanations for the higher percentage of traffic fatalities involving teenagers. Answer choice (d) does not weaken the argument and is the correct answer.