WMBB News 13 - The Panhandle's News LeaderPCPD Reminds Parents and Teens of Distracted Driving Dangers

According to the data provided by the Panama City Police Department, your chances of being in crash goes up 23% if you are texting while driving and police say that number is much higher for 16 and 17-year olds. So police are encouraging parents to talk to their children about the dangers of distracted driving.  

For the average 16-year old, getting their driver's license is the most important day of their lives.  

 "I went and just got my drivers license right now and I passed it and I am excited, happy, I can go everywhere now," said a new driver at the DMV. 

But with that license comes responsibility.

 "Driving is not a spectator sport. You really need to be paying attention out here," said Panama City Police Sergeant Jeff Becker.  

Becker took me along on a ride to see how many districted drivers were on the road. He's personally sending the message to teens and their parents about the dangers.  

"I do take it personally but it's not just because I see these people being killed and the outcome of fatal crashes but also I have children and even though they are not young children and they are all young adults I still worry for them," Becker said. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says drivers under 20 years old have the highest rate of distraction related fatal crashes.  

"Parents please talk to your children just explaining to them this vehicle is like a bullet it's very heavy but it's like a bullet it will kill," Becker added. 

It's a conversation 15-year old Justin Rowe and his mom Alison Rivera have had many times.  

"I tell him just to be very careful about it especially texting that takes away a lot of your focus where you are looking at your phone and you are not looking at the road," mom Rivera said.  

Justin was at the DMV Thursday afternoon getting taking the test to get his permit.  

"She told me if I text and drive she will take my phone away for at least a year," Rowe said.  

"It's very scary, I know the first time he takes off on his own I am probably going to cry and then of course, when you factor in texting and driving it makes it even scarier we didn't have that when I was a kid so my parents didn't have that to worry about when you factor in texting and driving it makes it even scarier we didn't have that when I was a kid so my parents didn't have that to worry about," Rivera added.  

Becker says it's that five minute conversation he knows has the power to save a life.  

Right now, there is no law in Florida banning texting while driving, but there's currently a bill being debated in the state legislature to do so. Becker also says police can write you a ticket for careless or reckless driving.