by Krystle Hernandez

Created on: February 04, 2009   Last Updated: February 06, 2009

No matter who you are, or what age you are today, you have been a "teenager" at some point in your life. Adolescence is simply a rite of passage, a phase that we go through in our lifetimes that ultimately helps to shape us into the people that we eventually become in our lives. While some adults may not remember their teenage years as clearly as others, many of us do remember the mistakes we made as minors - especially those mistakes whose consequences we have had to deal with for the remainder of our lives.

As much as I hated to hear this phrase as a teenager, and as much as other teens may feel that it is "cliched", the bottom line is that DRIVING IS A PRIVILEGE. Even as adults driving is considered a privilege. When adults make "mistakes" behind the wheel, they can often face serious consequences. For example, did you know that if an adult is caught driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, and refuses to subject themselves to field sobriety tests, an arresting officer can immediately suspend his or her license? It's true! By law, driving is considered a privilege, and when you sign up for a driver's license, you are essentially giving up rights such as denial of a sobriety test because you have contractually agreed to them from the moment you get your license.

It is crucial for people, teenagers and adults alike, to understand that an automobile is a weapon. It is literally a ton of metal that can cause serious or fatal damages or destruction - especially at high speeds. As such, many countries, including the United States, have implemented speed limits on their roads in order to ensure that drivers are as cautious as possible, particularly around other drivers.

Driving at the speed limit allows for more reaction time if and when there is an obstruction in the road. Slower speeds also allow you to have more general control over your vehicle. The faster you go, the more likely you are to spin out of control - whether you hit something (or someone) or not.

In addition, keep in mind that speed limits are imposed by law. Therefore, if you go above the speed limit and are pulled over, you could be ticketed and have to pay a hefty fine. In some cases, drivers exceeding the speed limit by over a certain amount are required to appear in court. In either case, drivers who receive speeding tickets not only have to pay fines, and/or court costs, they must frequently attend a four-hour driver safety course in order to ensure that they do not receive points on their licenses. The more points you have, the higher your insurance rates, and the more money you will spend over your lifetime. After a certain number of points, you may have your license suspended or even permanently revoked.

At the end of the day, there are many of us out there who absolutely love the thrill of speed. I confess, I too (as a teenager), pushed the boundaries, put the pedal to the metal, and went way over the speed limit. Of course, hindsight is twenty-twenty, and ultimately, you will understand the dangers of disobeying the speed limit as well. Whether it is higher insurance rates over a lifetime, a suspended or revoked license, jail time, or worse, seriously injuring or killing yourself or another person, some of the consequences of breaking the speed limit will ultimately make you pay for a lifetime. And, what for? A little thrill?

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