Teens, dangerous driving practices and Florida law
A recent study by an insurance agency found that teens still choose to drink and drive, even though they are aware of the dangers.
April 08, 2014
Teens are smart enough to know the danger of drinking and driving, but naive enough to choose to take the risk according to an article recently published in Forbes. The conclusion was based on research compiled and reviewed by Liberty Mutual Insurance. The study focused on teens making dangerous decisions while driving, like driving while under the influence of alcohol or texting while behind the wheel.Such decisions are dangerous, since both are connected to a higher risk of involvement in a car accident.
More on the study
The Insurance giant teamed up with Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) to conduct a survey of high school juniors and seniors. The survey asked these students how often they partook in various activities while driving. Categories participants could choose from included talking on a cellphone while driving, speeding, sending or receiving text messages, not using a seatbelt and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Researchers with the study report 15 percent of teens admit to driving while under the influence of alcohol, 16 percent to driving while under the influence of marijuana and 78 percent to driving while sending or receiving text messages.
These activities are not just dangerous, but also illegal.
- Alcohol. It is illegal for teens to drink under the age of 21. Drivers in Forida who are under 21 with a blood alcohol level of 0.02 or higher can receive a variety of penalties, including an automatic license suspension for six months.
- Drugs. Driving under the influence of chemical or controlled substances like certain prescriptions is illegal to the extent that the person's "normal faculties are impaired."
- Texts. Texting while driving is illegal in Florida. In the event of an accident, state law allows access to a driver's cellphone records as evidence that he or she was texting at the time of the accident.
Those injured in accidents caused by the reckless or negligent act of another may qualify to receive compensation to help cover the various costs associated with the crash. Gathering evidence to build a case can include many steps like interviewing witnesses, getting copies of traffic citations and taking the steps necessary to receive copies of cellphone bills. Going through this process can be difficult and intimidating. As a result, those injured in an accident should contact an experienced Florida auto accident lawyer to discuss their case and help better ensure all legal rights are protected.
Article provided by Perenich, Caulfield, Avril, & Noyes, P.A.
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