Yeah, young drivers and fast cars, it’s a classic combo that often spells trouble. I get it, the appeal is undeniable, especially when you see What A Great Looking Car For Tooling Around In can do. Cruising around in a sharp ride is definitely tempting. Speaking as someone who’s been there, even though I consider myself pretty responsible for a 19-year-old guy, the temptation to push it is always there.
I mean, I drive more aggressively than my parents, sure, and I’m not shy about hitting the gas. But I’m talking sticking to 5 mph over in town and maybe 15 mph max on the freeway if traffic allows – always with the flow, never weaving dangerously. I’ve seen friends who treat speed limits like suggestions, hitting 100+ mph on the freeway and 50+ mph on city streets in their stock cars. One buddy racked up so many tickets he lost his license for a while, and he was driving a regular 94 Accord! Now, picture putting a young, maybe less experienced driver behind the wheel of something seriously powerful, like a 300hp STi. Just a tiny tap of the accelerator and you’re way past the legal limit before you even realize it.
Look, I don’t know you. I don’t know your driving habits or your self-control. It’s your money, your car, your life. If you’re absolutely confident you can handle the power and won’t drive like an idiot just because you have a fast car, then go for it. Just promise yourself, and everyone else on the road, that you’ll be smart and safe.
And since we’re talking cars and young drivers, let’s rant about insurance for a sec. Honestly, the whole system feels broken. Yeah, some young drivers are reckless, no doubt. But why punish all of us? They should give everyone normal rates until they actually mess up – get a ticket or cause an accident – then, yeah, skyrocket the rates if they want. I’m a safe driver, clean record, never had a ticket, yet I get penalized for what other people my age might do. Makes zero sense.
