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Parents and those caring for, and about, teens should take heed of the statistics and risk factors for teen (15 to 19) drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported in -  "Teens and Distracted Driving - 2010 Data"  issued September 2012:

• 403 people died in crashes that involved distracted teen (15 to 19) drivers.
• 307 teens (15 to 19) were killed in distraction-affected crashes.
• 368 teen (15- to 19-year-old) drivers involved in fatal crashes were distracted.

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) "Teen Drivers - Fact Sheet" per mile driven, teen drivers, ages 16-19, are three times more likely than drivers 20 and older to be in a fatal crash.  Why are teens more likely to be involved in crashes? 

The CDC states the following:            

• Teens are more likely than older drivers to underestimate dangerous situations or not be able to recognize hazardous situations.
• Teens are more likely than older drivers to speed and allow shorter headways (the distance from the front of one vehicle to the front of the next). The presence of male teenage passengers increases the likelihood of this risky driving behavior.
• Among male drivers between 15 and 20 years of age who were involved in fatal crashes in 2010, 39% were speeding at the time of the crash and 25% had been drinking.
• Compared with other age groups, teens have the lowest rate of seat belt use. In 2011, only 54% of high school students reported they always wear seat belts when riding with someone else. Compared with other age groups, teens have the lowest rate of seat belt use.
• At all levels of blood alcohol concentration (BAC), the risk of involvement in a motor vehicle crash is greater for teens than for older drivers.
• In 2010, 22% of drivers aged 15 to 20 involved in fatal motor vehicle crashes were drinking.
  • In a national survey conducted in 2011, 24% of teens reported that, within the previous month, they had ridden with a driver who had been drinking alcohol and 8% reported having driven after drinking alcohol within the same one-month period.
  • In 2010, 56% of drivers aged 15 to 20 were killed in motor vehicle crashes after drinking and driving were not wearing a seat belt.
  • In 2010, half of teen deaths from motor vehicle crashes occurred between 3 p.m. and midnight and 55% occurred on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.

"With these sobering statistics, it is important that teens learn more about driving safely." says Attorney Randall Spivey, Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.  "The Florida Sheriff's Association developed a program called Teen Driver Challenge to combat the high crash and mortality rate of Florida's teen drivers.  The Public Services Division of the Lee County Sheriff's Office is offering this 2-day program for teen drivers between the ages of 15-19, the most vulnerable ages.  Teens will spend two days - a total of 12 hours, learning about such things as teen crash facts, knowing the vehicle, vehicle dynamics, safe driving habits, alcohol and driving as well as driving skills such as backing, off road recovery, and evasive maneuvers.

 I encourage all permitted or licensed teens to  take advantage of this opportunity.  Space is limited. For more information click on the links below."

   Collier County Teen Driver Challenge

    Lee County Teen Driver Challenge