A Ton of Responsibility


When you get behind the wheel, you have a ton of responsibility, literally. A vehicle weighs around 2,000 pounds. You control 2,000 pounds every time you drive.

Driving a 2,000 pound vehicle can get you safely to your destination. However, if you are careless, it will change the course of your life forever. It is your mode of transportation to get somewhere, or it becomes a weapon. You decide.

Most teens will say that they speed because they like the thrill. There's also the sense that you can beat anything, that you are infallible. Obviously, speeding helps you reach your destination more quickly and you may not have allowed enough driving time. No matter what the reason is, you should know the facts.

The #1 cause of teen traffic crashes is speed. It is involved in the majority of teen deaths while driving. And, it could be you. Or someone else.

When you drive, you have more than yourself to think about. You are responsible to help other drivers reach their destination safely. If you speed and kill someone, you are responsible. Vehicular homicide is not a little deal. A conviction will change your life forever. Knowing you killed someone is a burden you will carry your entire life.

Driving is a privilege, not a right. Whether or not you speed is your decision. If you choose to speed, you are choosing to drive dangerously.

What should you do?

  1. Leave plenty of time to reach your destination. You need to plan ahead, judge the amount of traffic and account for weather conditions that may slow your travel.

  2. Speed limits are set for a reason. Roads are engineered to accommodate that level of speed. Follow the posted speed limits.

  3. Arrive late. It's better than a ticket. It's certainly better than never arriving at all.