New Florida Texting and Driving Ban in Full Effect
New Florida Texting and Driving Ban in Full Effect
Texting and driving has become a huge issue not just among teens and young adults but across the board. In 2011, at least 23% of car accidents involved cell phones, which average out to about 1.3 million car accidents total. The unbelievable thing, though, is that 77% of young adults are very confident they can safely text while driving but studies show that if you do text while driving, you spend about 10% of the driving time outside of your lane. 39 states in the U.S prohibit all drivers from text messaging and as of Monday September 30th, Florida is added to that list.
It is now unlawful and a secondary offense to be found texting while driving. The ban doesn’t allow officers to pull a driver over just for texting and driving, but it gives them the right to fine a driver if they are texting while being stopped for any infraction like speeding or driving without a seatbelt. State Representative Irv Slosberg says “it’s a weak law” but it’s at least a step in the right direction. Texting while driving is unbelievably dangerous. According to a study done by the Virginia Tech Highway Institute drivers are 23 times more likely to get into a car accident if they are texting and driving. Fortunately, states are slowly holding drivers accountable for the danger they are putting themselves and everyone else on the road in while texting and driving. Florida’s recent ban does not apply, however, to using GPS navigation or regular cell phone calls while driving.
Even though texting and driving is now a secondary offense in Florida and will lead to a fine if a driver is found breaking the law, it’s impossible to avoid every car accident. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, after 911 call 411! 1-800-411-PAIN will put you in touch with an aggressive, experienced, and knowledgeable network attorney in Florida who can fight for your rights and get you the money you deserve! Help is available in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Naples, Ocala, Orlando, Tampa, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and Ft. Myers.