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The Tampa Bay Times reported in December 2018 that two bills were filed in the Florida state legislature. House bill, HB107, and a duplicate Senate bill, call for banning not only texting while driving but also even holding a phone while driving. These bills were sponsored to help curb the distracted-driving epidemic on Florida’s roadways. 

The statistics of distracted-driving accidents are alarming. These accidents are preventable. Approximately, nine people are killed each day because of distracted drivers, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles. A crash can occur only 3 seconds after a driver’s attention has been diverted from the road. These statistics may be sobering, but since there is no way to test for distracted driving after an accident, most believe the number of distracted-driving accidents causing injuries and fatalities are under-reported.

Many feel that since more than 13 million Floridians have drivers’ licenses and most of the them also have smart phones, then a new “Hands-Free” law sponsored by the Florida House and Senate to allow police officers to stop people they see texting might go a long way toward helping solve that particular problem, according to the Fort Myers Florida Weekly on January 16, 2019

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that during daylight hours, approximately 481,000 drivers are using cell phones while driving. The NHTSA wants everyone to “Get Involved: Help Stop Distracted Driving.” It has the following advice for teens, parents, educators and employers, and individuals:

Teens

Teens can be the best messengers with their peers, so we encourage them to speak up when they see a friend driving while distracted, to have their friends sign a pledge to never drive distracted, to become involved in their local Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) chapter, and to share messages on social media that remind their friends, family, and neighbors not to make the deadly choice to drive distracted.

Parents

Parents first have to lead by example – by never driving distracted – as well as have a talk with their young driver about distraction and all of the responsibilities that come with driving. Have everyone in the family sign the pledge to commit to distraction-free driving. Remind your teen driver that in States with graduated driver licensing (GDL), a violation of distracted-driving laws could mean a delayed or suspended license.

Educators and Employers

Educators and employers can play a part too. Spread the word at your school or workplace about the dangers of distracted driving. Ask your students to commit to distraction-free driving, or set a company policy on distracted driving.

Make Your Voice Heard

If you feel strongly about distracted driving, be a voice in your community by supporting local laws, speaking out at community meetings, and highlighting the dangers of distracted driving on social media and in your local op-ed pages.

“If you are injured in a distracted-driving accident, Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. is ready to assist you. We are available when you need us 24/7, and there are no costs or attorney fees unless we make a monetary recovery for you,” said Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney,Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.