Florida leads the U.S. in Teenager Death Rates from Vehicle Crashes
Semi truck/tractor trailer accidents and related issues in Florida are normally the focus of this blog. However, an alarming report about the death rate for teenagers from motor vehicle crashes is worth noting. According to a study on motor vehicle crash statistics by Allstate Insurance Company, Florida is number one in the country in terms of death rates among teenagers from vehicle accidents.
The three areas within Florida with the highest teenage death rates from vehicle accidents from 2000 to 2006 were Tampa/St. Petersburg, Orlando and Jacksonville. According to a Businessweek article, speeding was a factor in 27% of the teen deaths in the Tampa area, alcohol was a factor in 7% and drugs were a factor in 4%. However, not surprisingly, the biggest recurring factor in the teen deaths from vehicle crashes was the failure to wear a seat belt. Surely, cell phone use and text messaging were factors in causing motor vehicle accidents among teens, but it was unclear how often those dangerous activities contributed to accidents involving teenagers.
What can be done to reduce the number and severity of vehicle crashes involving teenagers? Some suggestions: more education and training before and while teens are able to drive on their own, particularly regarding seat belt use, as part of the regular school curriculum; stricter standards for obtaining a driver's license for young people; more driver training and discussion by parents; stricter penalties for teenagers who violate traffic laws and laws reducing the hours teenagers can drive
