It is a time for celebration for many Florida high school and college graduating seniors. It is also one of the most dangerous times. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the period from April through July has the highest rate of teen and young adult traffic fatalities. The number of deaths involving teens ages 16-19 is nearly three times the number of deaths of drivers ages 20 and over. The fatal crash rate per mile driven is nearly twice as high for 16-17-year-olds as for 18-19-year-olds.

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) found that from 2015 to 2019, teen drivers and passengers (16-19 years of age) accounted for a greater proportion of speeding-related fatalities (43 percent) than other age groups (30 percent).

Parents and guardians can help keep graduates safe during this dangerous time by:

1. Talking openly and honestly with them about these statistics.
2. Talking candidly about the dangers of underage drinking that is prevalent during graduation time.
3. Discussing the dangers of drinking and distracted driving.
4. Encouraging the use of designated drivers.
5. Confirming the location of after-graduation parties and finding out who is attending and if there will be adult supervision.
6. Discussing the advantages of public transportation and Uber and Lyft services.
7. Telling your graduate you are available at all hours to take his/her phone call and provide a “no questions asked” ride if needed.
8. Communicating clear driving rules including the use of seatbelts, obeying speed limits, and not riding with anyone who is under the influence, drowsy, or distracted.
9. Taking the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. Safety Pledge.

“We at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. congratulate all 2021 Southwest Florida graduates as they enter a new phase in their lives. We encourage everyone to stay safe and follow these 8 graduation safety tips,” said Fort Myers Accident Attorney Randall Spivey. “We hope everyone enjoys the graduating experience. However, should you or a loved one be injured because of the negligence of another, we are available 24/7 to assist you. There are no costs or attorney fees until we receive a monetary recovery for you. We represent people involved in numerous types of personal injury and wrongful death accidents throughout the state of Florida. All of our clients have unique personal injury cases. Our firm provides personal contact and communication along with aggressive representation.”

Fort Myers Accident Attorney Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one percent (1%) of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact  Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County at 239.793.7748.