Teen accident deaths rise in September and October
The Virginia State Police report a sudden rise in the number of car accident related teen deaths during September and October. There were 23 deaths during this eight-week period. There have also been 12 traffic accident related deaths during the first few weeks of November.
Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Superintendent of Virginia State Police says,
“This is about more than just statistics or numbers; this is about 35 young people who won’t be celebrating Thanksgiving with their families. The freedom that comes with driving a car is the next step in a teen’s independence, but handling a car on the road also comes with tremendous responsibility. Inexperience works against them on the road. Parents must continue to work with their teen drivers and help them make safe, responsible driving choices behind the wheel.”
Of the 35 teens killed within the last few months, 16 were not wearing their seat belt. Alcohol was a factor in several of the accidents.
The full news release is available as a .pdf file on the Virginia State Police web page.