A 2008 study performed by Allstate Insurance Company ranked Tampa as having the highest national teenage fatality crash rate, based on teen population. Orlando and Jackonsville ranked in at third and fourth, respectively.
In addition to revealing these high-fatality areas, the study claimed that males are involved in more fatal crashes than females, at a ratio of 2.33 to 1. Statistics also show that car accidents are the number one killer of teenagers.
While modern technology has been beneficial to the car manufacturing industry, providing safer cars that are more focused on driver and passenger safety, rather than keeping the car intact, (as was common in the past) many people are pointing fingers at the development of devices that can be of distraction while driving. Cell phones, texting, DVD players and TVs in cars are now added to the list of possible hazardous distractions, in addition to other concerns such as playing with the radio, eating, and distracting passengers.
This alarming study, along with several others, has prompted insurance companies to take action to protect their teenage drivers. Companies are now implementing educational and outreach programs for teen drivers. Programs like State Farm's "Steer Clear" provide financial incentives for teens after they complete booklets and interviews, covering topics such as mileage, driving tips and safety questions. Some State Farm agents even provide the option of meeting with new teen drivers and their parents for a one-on-one session about the dangers of the road, and what safety precautions teen drivers should take.
While laws have passed in many states, such as California, New Jersey and New York prohibiting activities such as texting and talking on cell phones while driving, Florida has not yet put such precautionary measures in place.
These disturbing statistics shed a harsh and realistic light on the dangers of the road for inexperienced drivers. It is important for new drivers not only to take safety precautions, but also to know their rights in case an accident should happen. The Law Offices of John T. Grove handles auto accidents throughout the state of Florida and can assist you and answer any questions you might have regarding traffic regulations and your rights in an auto accident.
