Watching your teenager fulfill the requirements necessary to get their driver's license can fill you with a tremendous sense of pride. It takes quite a bit of hard work to obtain a license and finally receiving it is a monumental moment in your child's life that they won't soon forget. Although you likely have trepidation and fear about them hitting the road, you swallow your anxiety and give them the keys so they can explore their newfound freedom.
However, not long after they've taken their first few rides, they come home and announce that they have received a speeding ticket. Although your first response may be to react with anger, it's best to use this as a teachable moment so they will know how to get past this obstacle with as little resistance as possible. If your teen has just gotten a speeding ticket and you need some advice on what to do next, keep reading to learn some great tips that can make all the difference.
Help Your Teen Understand the Seriousness of the Matter
Although getting a speeding ticket is a relatively common part of the driving experience, it is important for your teenager to understand the long-standing consequences of the matter. Speeding tickets can wreak havoc in so many ways, and if you aren't able to convey how much a ticket can impact your child's driving record, your young person might think it isn't that big of a deal. Stay calm and be direct, but make sure you maintain a serious demeanor that displays the importance of staying on the straight and narrow.
Insurance Rates Can Increase
Firstly, getting a speeding ticket nearly always causes your insurance premium to go up. The math behind this is simple: If you refuse to remain within the confines of the posted speed limit, you present a greater risk of an accident to the insurance company. As a result, the insurer has to raise your premium to account for the added risk.
Speeding Can Be Fatal
Speeding is also dangerous because it leads to accidents. Make your child aware of the many things that can go wrong on the road, including if the brakes or other parts of the car malfunction, or even losing control of the vehicle due to high speeds. This could lead to a life-changing accident, or worse, could prove to be fatal.
Avoid Further Penalties
Once you have explained the ramifications of a speeding ticket, make sure your teenager either pays the fine or attends the court date. This is vital because failing to do so could cause the fine to increase to an astronomical level. In some states, such as North Carolina, a teen may receive a 30-day license suspension for their first speeding ticket. If your teen’s license is suspended, be sure they do not get behind the wheel. If your teenager is bringing in some sort of income, you may even want to have them pay the costs so they will see how the ticket puts a dent in their finances!
Safe Driving Protects Everyone
If all goes well and your child truly listens, they should walk away from the experience with a much greater appreciation for the importance of safe driving. Not only does it keep them protected, but it makes the road a much safer place to be.
