ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The latest numbers from Florida Highway Patrol showed teen-related crashes jumped more than 27 percent in three years.
One of the most recent cases happened last month when a teen crashed while using Snapchat.
Document: Teen driving crash statistics in Orange County
To help lower the numbers, MetroPlan Orlando just gave the Teen Drive Alert program $75,000 to partner with agencies like FHP so they can go into schools and educate students.
FHP troopers said it's critical funding at a time when there are no driver education requirements, in order to graduate.
“That could be a component on why we have such a high rate of crashes with teens,” said Kim Montes of the Florida Highway Patrol.
The $75,000 for Teen Drive Alert will allow the program to expand to Seminole and Osceola County schools next year. Currently, the program is only in orange county schools.
Cox Media Group