ORLANDO, Fla. — It’s National Teen Driver Safety Week.
Parents can probably remember the feeling of nervousness when their child first got their driver’s license. Handing over the car keys to your teenager can spark new worries, as crashes are a leading cause of death for teens.
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In 2020, there were more than 39,000 crashes with teen drivers statewide and 97 teen driver fatalities, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Channel 9 reporter Christy Turner spoke with a Florida Highway Patrol Trooper about what teens can to help prevent crashes.
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Lt. Channing Taylor has been with the Florida Highway Patrol for more than 28 years.
He encourages parents to talk to their children to make sure they’re following the rules of the road.
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“Just offer tips while you’re driving with your teen. Say, ‘You know, listen, I saw this car coming out so I slowed down,’” Taylor said.
As a reminder for teens, your parents can take that license if you aren’t driving responsibly.
Troopers said distracted driving is a frequent factor in teen crashes, but it’s not just because of cell phones. Taylor said there are other distractions, like a friend that is a passenger.
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“Limit the number of passengers in the vehicle,” he said.
Taylor has one final safety message to drive home.
“You’re going to keep hearing it over and over again, but it needs to be heard,” he said. “Just watch the distractions, drive defensively and never drive impaired.”
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