Drunk, distracted, and disoriented: All dangers law enforcement officials say any driver can encounter when they’re on the roads.
- Hillsborough Co. Sheriff's Office held teen driving event
- Goals was to teach teens safe, smart driving techniques
- Officials also stressed the dangers of drunk, distracted driving
Hillsborough County deputies on Saturday challenged teen drivers to tackle some of the most important rules of the roadways in an effort to keep the entire community safe.
Temperance Paris, 17, was one of about a dozen teens participating in the event. He recently got his driver’s license but wanted to learn more.
"I think I'm going to learn to respect the vehicle because if they turn the vehicle too hard and you break the car could flip over,” Paris said.
The teen driving challenge started in a classroom with informative videos and lessons and then moved onto maintenance.
"We go over their car, check their tire pressure, show them how to check the oil, make sure batteries are good to go," deputy Ryan Thomas said.
The students and instructors hit the road where the teens were taught high liability driving skills that help them get home safely every day.
On the course, teens learned evasive maneuvers, emergency breaking, off road recovery, and other important techniques.
Most importantly, instructors stressed the dangers and consequences of drunk and distracted driving. The teens admitted that it can be tempting to pick up the phone, it simply isn’t worth it.
"You just have to make sure you don't do that because that five seconds of sending a text could change a life," Paris said.
Texting and driving is illegal in Florida but as of right now, it is only a secondary offense. Some lawmakers are currently pushing to strengthen those laws.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office hosts the free teen driver challenges quarterly. For more information, click here.