TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – As National Teen Driver Safety Week gets underway, law enforcement and local organizations are urging young drivers to take road safety seriously.
Teen driving fatalities tend to spike during October, November and March. Those times often coincide with homecoming, prom and holiday breaks.
Kaizsa Threatt, program specialist with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), said impaired driving remains one of the most common causes of fatal accidents involving teenagers.
“We do encourage parents to talk to their kids and really be that example,” Threatt said. “If they see you drinking and driving, how are they supposed to trust that what you are saying about not drinking and driving is correct?”
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, more than 82,000 teen-related crashes were reported in Florida in 2024. One hundred forty young lives were lost in those crashes.
Other major risk factors include not wearing seat belts, speeding, aggressive driving and distracted driving, which are all behaviors more common among inexperienced drivers.
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Threatt said as exciting as it may be for teens to get their license and hit the road, many underestimate the responsibility that comes with getting behind the wheel.
“A car is not a toy. A car is a major piece of metal that can hurt someone,” she said. “We want to make sure our youth know that this is a big responsibility, getting your license, being able to be out on the road with everyone and driving with them.”
In Florida, drivers ages 18 and 19 have the highest crash rates in the state. Nationally, 16- and 17-year-olds are the most at risk, according to a study by the Teen Safe Driving Coalition.
Threatt said parents having open conversations with their teens at home can save lives on the roads.
Tips for teens from The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles:
Always wear a seatbeltKeep passengers to a minimum to avoid distractionsNever drive impaired Don’t drive drowsyDon’t speedDon’t text and drive
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