Sunshine Sentinel

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—It is the 32nd day of the 100 Deadliest Days, and already more than 90 people died on Florida roadways. During this time period, that begins on Memorial Day, fatal traffic accidents involving teens increase nationwide as more young drivers are out of school and on the roads. Earlier this week, five teens died in a tragic car accident in Fort Myers. Following this terrible news and heading into the Fourth of July holiday weekend, Attorney General Ashley Moody urges extra caution behind the wheel. 

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “As a mother, it is heartbreaking to hear the stories of young lives cut short in terrible traffic accidents. As we enter the holiday weekend and prepare to celebrate our nation’s independence, please remember to buckle up, don’t text from behind the wheel, and never drink and drive.”

At the beginning of the 100 Deadliest Days, Attorney General Moody joined the Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Highway Patrol, local law enforcement, firefighters and medical professionals in Gainesville to encourage road safety. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, seven people a day die from accidents involving teenaged motorists. To view Attorney General Moody's warning, click here. 

So far this month, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Crash Dashboard, reports:

• 16,994 crashes;
• 95 fatal accidents;
• 6,931 chases causing injuries; and
• 191 crashes involving alcohol.

The Fourth of July holiday is the second deadliest holiday for drunk driving accidents, just behind New Year’s Eve.  According to reports:

• 493 people nationwide died in motor vehicle crashes over the holiday in 2021—more than 200 of those fatal accidents involved alcohol;
• 1,460 people died in motor vehicle accidents during the holiday period from 2017-2021—more than 550 involved alcohol impairment; 
• From 2006-2020, Florida ranks third for the most amount of road accident deaths during the holiday week;  
• In a 14-year analysis, fatal drunk driving crashes over the holiday week peak between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m.; and
• Fatal crashes on the day of the fourth peak between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m.

With the holiday right around the corner and 68 days left in the 100 Deadliest Days, parents should talk to teens about road safety and the increased risk of fatal accidents during the summer. For tips to help spark the conversation, click here.