Florida Teenage Safe Driving Awareness...parents and teens need to talk about these things... Part 1

As Florida teenagers gear up statewide for prom and graduation festivities, Governor Charlie Crist proclaimed April 20 to 25, 2009, Teenage Safe Driving Awareness Week which coincides with the National Campaign of the same name. Governor Crist's weeklong awareness campaign is a sober reminder that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of teenage deaths.  

As a long time Gainesville accident attorney and father, I know that while teenagers are the most high-risk drivers on the road, talking with your teen about safe driving and legal consequences can save lives and avoid deadly traffic accidents that change lives forever.  

Here are some safe driving tips and the law that every parent and teenager should discuss and not just on prom night, but rather regularly and frequently:

1. Zero Tolerance. Florida has a zero tolerance drinking and driving policy for teenaged drivers.  Drivers under the age of 21 with a blood alcohol level of .02% or more will have their license suspended for 6 months. A second offense results in a one-year suspension.  http://www.flhsmv.gov/teens/privilege.html
2. Blood Alcohol Testing. If a teenaged driver under 21 year old refuses to submit to blood alcohol testing, a first offense can result in a one-year driver's license suspension.  A second offense results in an 18-month suspension. http://www.flhsmv.gov/teens/privilege.html
3. Tobacco. Cigarette smoking can also distract drivers. Teenage drivers under the age of 18 can expect to have their driver's license revoked for 6 months to one year if found in possession of tobacco products. http://www.flhsmv.gov/teens/privilege.html