GOLDEN, Colo. (KDVR) — It’s National Teen Driver Safety Week, and the Colorado State Patrol says speeding is the top offense for teen drivers in the state.
On Monday, state troopers urged young drivers to slow down or face serious consequences. In 2024, troopers issued more than 4,100 speeding tickets to teen drivers. That accounts for more than half of all citations given to teens that year.
“That is a little bit worrisome because we want to make sure that those teens are getting home safely,” said Trooper Gabriel Moltrer with the Colorado State Patrol.
Moltrer is urging teens to ease up on the gas pedal. He warns that going over the speed limit can not only lead to a ticket, but also higher insurance rates and even a suspended license.
“Having a driver’s license is like having that little bit of freedom,” Moltrer said. “So, by disregarding those laws and getting those citations, it does add points to your license. And once you reach those certain points, you are going to lose that license.”
In 2024, CSP issued more than 2,100 tickets to teens caught driving 10 to 19 mph over the speed limit, and another 1,700 citations to those going 20 to 39 mph over.
Moltrer said posted speed limits are there to keep drivers safe. Ignoring them increases the risk of a crash, especially for newer drivers still learning how to handle a vehicle.
“By going over that speed limit, it does take away that time that you have to be able to make those decisions,” Moltrer said. “Knowing how fast you need to stop if there’s something that comes up in front of you or any other thing that might pose a danger to yourself on that road.”
Moltrer added that one of the best ways parents can help their teens drive safely is by setting a good example. That means adults should also follow speed limits, avoid using phones while driving and always buckle their seatbelt.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
