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.
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