Texting And Driving Laws Might Get Tougher In Florida
Michael Babboni
Car Accidents
There’s good news and there’s bad news. For people who like to feel safe while driving, knowing that other drivers are being as safe as they can be; it’s good news. For the people who like to text while driving and continue to be distracted behind the wheel, it’s not-so-good. As Florida legislature looks to bolster laws regarding texting and driving, its news that everyone should be aware of.It Can Wait
There is no shortage of stories that can be found when it comes to examples of texting and driving. Some people just linger longer at a traffic signal when the light turns from red to green as they text their BFF that they’re running late. Some might reduce their speed to a crawl as they check the latest tweet from their favorite celebrity, and some might swerve in and out of traffic as they text a quick bit of gossip that just can’t wait the extra seven minutes.
Others, however, find that the words “on my way” are the last words to ever come from their fingertips. Texting while driving has caused many young people to lose their lives in an age where many believe that being connected is the very key to life itself.
A Misunderstood Reality
It’s no surprise that automobile crashes are the number one cause of death among teens in the U.S. today. What might surprise you is that AAA reports more than half of those crashes are due to distracted driving, including cell phone use. This explains why the nation is beginning to crack down on these offenses of cell phone usage. Many younger drivers just don’t understand the reality of what happens when they look away from the road for even a few seconds.
There are different groups, including the Florida Department of Transportation, who put teens through simulated distracted driving scenarios showing the severity of the situation. This seems to strike a chord with those who see the results first hand. Others need more than a simulation to dissuade them, and legislators believe that a change in the law can help. Though it might not stop every person from texting and driving, it might stop some for fear of stiffer penalties.
And Upgrade In Offense
Currently in the state of Florida, texting while driving is considered a secondary offense. This means that offenders cannot be pulled over for texting while driving; they can only be cited if it is discovered after they are stopped for another reason, such as speeding.
The proposed new law would make texting while driving a primary offense, meaning that police officers can pull over drivers for that very specific reason. It would also impose double penalties for those found guilty of texting in a school zone. Both the House and the Senate would need to approve the new law, something that has resulted in a deadlock in the past. Lawmakers keep pushing, and the hope is that Florida will join the other 41 states who see texting and driving as a primary offense.
If the proposal receives full backing by three more Senate panels, it will go to the full Senate for approval when the 2018 session begins in January.