Historically, based on statistics from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, March has the highest number of teen driver deaths. This is largely due to the fact that most spring breaks fall in the month of March, as does the Saint Patrick’s Day holiday. These two factors contribute largely to underage drinking, which contributes to higher amounts of driving while under the influence, which leads to higher frequency of accidents. Even without the teen drinking, spring break and St. Patrick’s Day contribute to more reckless driving amongst teenagers in the state.
To get ahead of the deadly month, teen driving safety events are being held.
This week, the Orlando Police Department is holding a teen safety driving presentation to help combat the deadly driving statistics. In the presentation, the department is said to discuss topics such as the dangers and consequences that come from street racing, risks that arise with reckless and aggressive driving, and the risks of speeding. Specifically, when discussing speeding, the department will highlight how the dangerous act reduces reaction time and increases the chance of getting into a fatal accident.
The timing of the presentation comes at a very pertinent time, as two tragic deaths of teenagers happened in the last month. One high school senior died after getting into a crash over the weekend. Another died a few weeks back in a crash as well. The Orlando Police Chief gave a statement, saying that “With the recent tragedy in Lake Nona, I felt it was necessary to bring this awareness seminar to the community immediately.” He is referring to the student who passed away a few weeks back.
With this presentation, law enforcement is also rolling out a sober driving campaign.
The “Drive Sober or Game Over” campaign that happens annually in Florida is expected to begin soon. The campaign is a collaboration between the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), the Division of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the Florida Sheriff’s Association (FSA), and the Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA). While this campaign is not meant to target solely teen drivers, they are a part of the campaign still.
Over 10% of all impaired driving accidents of 2024 happened in the month of March.
For the same reasons March is more dangerous for teen drivers, it is dangerous for adult drivers too. The campaign will have multiple events and practices done to raise awareness of the lifelong consequences of impaired driving. They also will provide definitions of impaired driving and educate on all of the different things that can cause impaired driving.
Stay safe when on the road this March and attend some driving safety events if you can!
