Beware of Automobile Accidents in the Tampa, Florida Area during the Holidays

Apparently, driving in Tampa, Florida is a perilous activity, especially for teenage drivers during the holiday season.

According to a study by Allstate Insurance, from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day, there are more fatal accidents involving teenage drivers in the Tampa-St Petersburg-Clearwater area than anywhere else in the United States. Astoundingly, Jacksonville took second place in the study and Orlando came in third. The study was based on nationwide holiday season crash data from 2000-2007.

Results of the study have insurance companies, Tampa Bay law enforcement agencies, and Tampa automobile accidents lawyers striving to understand why teenagers are involved in so many deadly crashes. Not only are motor vehicle crashes the No. 1 killer of American teenagers, but these accidents also have killed and seriously injured many other innocent people of all ages.

There have been many theories proposed to explain why Tampa teenagers are involved in so many serious accidents, particularly during the holiday season. First, the Tampa, Florida area is notorious for its tremendous amount of traffic. Second, law enforcement officials say Tampa area teens tend to take a lot of risks on the road, possibly because they are not hindered by snow, sleet, ice, and other winter weather conditions. Third, teenagers are easily distracted by cell phones, texting, iPods, and other gadgets. Finally, the holiday season often brings out the “party attitude” in Tampa teenagers, who are always eager to join the festivities.

For other drivers on the road in Tampa, St Petersburg, and Clearwater, it pays to take as many precautions as you can during the holidays and year-round. First, keep in mind that teenage drivers may be uninsured or underinsured, so protect yourself with ample uninsured and underinsured motorist protection. Second, if you are the parent of a teenager in the Tampa area, remember that you can be held responsible for the damages and injuries caused by your teenage child when he or she is behind the wheel. Have a serious talk with your teen, restrict driving privileges when necessary, and purchase adequate insurance coverage to protect your assets.

The law firm of Dale Appell, P.A. hopes that all our neighbors in the greater Tampa, Florida area remain safe during the holiday season and throughout the year. If you need assistance with a car accident injury claim, please call one of our Tampa automobile accident lawyers for a free initial consultation.