This month, four teenagers have died in traffic accidents in Hillsborough County.
On Wednesday, September 23, 2020, an 18-year-old driver and their 15-year-old passenger were killed after the driver ran a red light in Riverview. On Tuesday, September 8, 2020, an 18-year-old passenger died in a triple fatal crash in Westchase. The driver in that case also ran a red light. On the first of the month, in Plant City, an 18-year-old was ejected from a vehicle and died from their injuries. The 15-year-old driver, who was speeding at the time of the accident, survived. Another passenger also survived the crash.
In 2019, one teenager was killed in a traffic accident in Hillsborough County. The 19-year-old driver was speeding down a Plant City road when they lost control of the car and hit a tree.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nationwide, traffic accidents are the leading cause of death among teens. The risk of motor vehicle accidents is highest among the 16-19 age group.
"This information is alarming, and I'm urging parents to please talk to their kids about driver safety," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Our deputies are on the lookout for reckless drivers and make every attempt to prevent accidents from happening in the first place, but I'm also encouraging parents to have a serious conversation with their teenager about the importance of safe driving."
In a Public Service Announcement that can be viewed here, Sheriff Chad Chronister shares an urgent message to teen drivers and their parents.