GOLDEN, Colo. (KDVR) – It’s National Teen Driver Safety Week, and the Colorado State Patrol says speeding is the top crime for teen drivers in the state.
Police forces on Monday urged young drivers to slow down or face serious consequences. In 2024, troopers issued more than 4,100 speeding tickets to teen drivers. This represents more than half of all citations given to teens that year.
“This is a little concerning because we want to make sure these teens get home safe,” said Trooper Gabriel Multerer with the Colorado State Patrol.
Moulterer urges teens to ease off the gas pedal. He warns that exceeding the speed limit can not only result in a ticket, but also higher insurance rates and even a license suspension.
“Getting a driver’s license is like having a little bit of freedom,” Multerer said. “So, by ignoring those laws and getting those citations, that adds points to your license. And once you reach those certain points, you lose that license.”
In 2024, CSP issued more than 2,100 citations to teens caught driving 10 to 19 mph over the speed limit, and another 1,700 citations to those who exceeded 20 to 39 mph.
Multerer said the posted speed limits are in place to keep drivers safe. Ignoring it increases the risk of accidents, especially for new drivers who are still learning how to handle a car.
“By going over the speed limit, it takes away the time that you should be able to make those decisions,” Moulterer said. “Knowing how quickly you need to stop if there is something in front of you or anything else that could pose a danger to yourself on that road.”
Moulterer added that one of the best ways parents can help their teens drive safely is by setting a good example. This means that adults should also follow speed limits, avoid using phones while driving and always wear seat belts.