Six Sarasota teens seriously injured after 16-year-old runs stop sign, cops say

SARASOTA COUNTY (WFLA) — The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that seriously injured six Sarasota teens. The 16-year-old driver who caused the crash is in critical condition, troopers said.

A witness who remained at the scene told police they saw the 16-year-old girl, who was driving a sedan, run a stop sign and drive directly toward the 18-year-old driver of an SUV, causing a T-shaped collision.

“The Florida Highway Patrol just wants to remind everyone, and especially our young drivers, how important it is to pay attention when you’re behind the wheel, not to be distracted even if you have passengers in the car. Put those devices down, both hands on the wheel, and we want to make sure we’re paying attention to all of those traffic control devices,” said State Trooper Kenn Watson.

The four male passengers, all ages 15 and 16, who were in the 16-year-old girl’s vehicle were seriously injured. The driver of the SUV was also seriously injured, according to a report.

“It’s very difficult for officers to get to the scene and all of the victims involved are the same age as many of our children. That’s the hardest thing that the Florida Highway Patrol, the deputies and the officers do: get to the scene and see kids injured. That’s why it’s absolutely critical that all of our agencies work together and try to do everything we can to educate our young drivers,” said Trooper Watson.

The accident is still under investigation.