DENVER (KDVR) A new teen driver was caught allegedly going more than 50 mph over the speed limit while racing another vehicle down Highway 83, according to deputies.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said one deputy clocked a car going 108 mph on Highway 83, which has a posted speed limit of 55 mph. When the deputy pulled the car over, it was a new teen driver who said he was allegedly racing another car.

“When stopped, the teen explained he saw another car ‘coming up fast’ and decided to just ‘hit it’ and go faster,” the sheriff’s office said in a social media post.

The sheriff’s office said the teen was cited for reckless driving, engaging in a speed contest and speeding 53 mph over the limit.

“The teen may not realize it now, but Deputy Whinery may have just saved his life. Racing at extreme speeds, especially as an inexperienced driver, can end in tragedy,” the sheriff’s office said.

Fines for speeding 1-24 mph over the speed limit vary from $35-$200, and driving anything over 25 mph can carry a minimum sentence of 10 days in jail and a maximum sentence of one year, but because the teen was a juvenile, he wasn’t arrested and was released to his parents.

“Let this be a reminder: Speeding isn’t worth it. Slow down. Drive safe. Make it home,” the sheriff’s office said.