Bay News 9 recently published a study performed by Allstate of teen driving during the holidays. According to the study, Tampa is the deadliest city for teen drivers. Even more frightening is the fact that the top three deadliest areas nationwide for teen drivers are here in Florida. In addition to Tampa, the other two deadliest cities for teen drivers are Jacksonville, and Orlando.

In order to complete the study Allstate analyzed fatal crashes during the holiday season beginning at Thanksgiving and ending on New Year Day. Over the past eight holiday seasons during that time period, more than 5,000 teen drivers were involved in a fatal car accident. Simple driver error and speeding caused most crashes while alcohol was involved less than 25 % of the time. Allstate's analysis revealed that the fatal crash rate is 40 percent higher for 16 year-olds than for 18 year-olds and 30 percent higher for 18 year-olds than for 19-year-olds. In addition, 56 percent of teens said they make and answer phone calls while driving.

In Florida, children can get a learners permit at 15 and drive without restriction at 16. Based on the Allstate study, allowing such young children to drive has come at a deadly cost for Florida teens. Other states appear to have recognized the problem. For example, in some states, teens are not allowed to begin driving until 17 and do not receive full driving privileges for another year. Additional restrictions on teen driving in other states include only allowing one passenger in the vehicle that is unrelated, no driving between the hours of midnight and 5 AM, and no texting or talking on the phone while driving.
The holiday season is a time to be around those you love, make sure to keep those teen car drivers in your life safe. Always remember to wear a safety belt and to follow the law. Distasio Law Firm wishes you a safe and Happy Holiday!

Scott Distasio
Tampa Personal Injury Lawyer
DISTASIO LAW FIRM
HELPING INJURED PEOPLE
OFFICES: TAMPA
888-595-0022

In September of 2008, a Florida jury returned a verdict in a wrongful death lawsuit in favor of a family and against a company that improperly loaded a truck. Because the truck was improperly loaded, a 34 pound metal plate flew out of the back of the truck and through the windshield of the car following the truck. The metal plate struck the 43 year old woman driving the car, killing her. It is not surprising that the jury returned a verdict against the company that loaded the truck and awarded money to the woman's family. The surprising part of the case is the fact that the jury decided the woman that was killed was 72% at fault for the accident. As a result, the amount of money awarded was reduced by the percentage of the woman's negligence.
It is unclear from the reports how the jury could have come to this conclusion. The reports of how the auto accident happened did not provide any description of the location and speed of the vehicles. So I cannot comment further on the jury's decision making process. However, I cannot imagine how someone that is driving along minding their own business could have any responsibility for not avoiding a metal plate flying out of the back of a truck, through the air, and through their windshield. It is simply not something the average driver would expect. Furthermore, it does not seem possible that the average driver's reaction time would be quick enough to avoid the object.
The result may be due to the success the tort reform movement has had in poisoning the minds of potential jurors. It also may be that there are facts not reported on that would lead anyone to the same result. Either way, the verdict demonstrates the uncertainty of trial by jury.

At Distasio Law Firm we handle wrongful death and auto accident cases.

Scott DistasioTampa Personal Injury Lawyer

DISTASIO LAW FIRM
HELPING INJURED PEOPLE
888-595-0022