According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about a quarter of car crashes involve an underage drinking driver. In addition to the legal consequences of a DUI, the affects are far more extensive and can change lives forever. 

CBS News and other networks reported on the following accidents: 

• An 18-year-old female teen from St. Petersburg died at the scene and several others were injured. The driver was charged with DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide and several counts of DUI involving serious bodily injury. 

• In March 2017, one person was killed and eight others injured in an alcohol-related crash in Pinellas County, Florida. An 18-year-old from Pinellas Park, was driving a 2008 Dodge Caliber southbound when he failed to stop for a red light. He struck a 2003 Ford F-250 that was eastbound driven by a 22-year-old from Clearwater, Florida. 

Teen drunk driving statistics 

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) says that, at all levels of blood alcohol concentration (BAC), the risk of involvement in a motor vehicle crash is greater for teens than for older drivers. 31 percent of teen drivers who died in accidents had been drinking prior to the accident. 

Car accidents are the primary danger associated with drinking and driving. Consuming too much alcohol impairs the ability to use common sense and think long-term, slows reaction time and makes it difficult for the brain to process information, according to "Why Is It Bad to Drink & Drive?" 

Teen DUIs affect lives forever 

Teen DUI drivers’ lives change. Not only do they incur legal penalties which could include jail time, they have to live with the knowledge that they caused an accident which injured or took the life of another.

 The injured person may suffer life-long injuries which may necessitate long-term medical care, home care, long hospital stays, rehabilitation, and not the least of these, pain and suffering. 

The family and friends of the injured or killed person are also affected forever. They will no longer have the company of someone for whom they cared and with whom they enjoyed life experiences. They may also be called upon to care for an injured DUI victim. 

“If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a drunk teen driver, contact the experienced personal injury team at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. to determine your rights,” said Fort Myers DUI Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Vehicle 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 (1%) percent 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 the 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 239.793.7748.