Why are we (teenagers) such extreme risk takers?

Scientist have researched the teenage mind and have come a conclusion on why teenagers are risk takers. Their studies showed that the emotional region of our brain develops to maturity much faster than the part of the brain that controls rational thinking. What does this mean? It means that we have well developed emotions, but we haven't matured enough to think everything through. Our impulsively and tendency to do dangerous things adults would avoid, might be linked to our brain's late development. And our mood swings can be attributed to our emotional region of the brain maturing at a fast speed. This does not excuse you to do stupid or dangerous activities just because your brain hasn't fully developed. But if you ever wonder why you did something you shouldn't have, your brain's development might be a contributing factor.