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GEICO Insurance and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) have joined forces on a statewide safety campaign that is focused on dealing with the issue of distracted driving. FDOT and other safety advocates want those who are operating motor vehicles to pull over to use their cell phones; so, Florida has selected 64 rest stops, service plazas and welcome centers throughout the state to be “safe phone zones.”

Drivers throughout Florida will notice new signage along the highway that will lead them to the facilities, and additional signage within the facilities will serve to remind drivers to use their time there to make phone calls or send text messages.

Distracted Driving is Still a Serious Problem
The FDOT has noted that distracted driving incidents in the state have increased 25 percent over the last three years. In some instances, smart phones and other forms of technology have added to the problem, as many drivers insist on remaining connected to the world at all times.

Florida law prohibits all individuals who operate motor vehicles from texting while driving. However, there are some exceptions to that rule, particularly when it comes to using GPS devices, talking on the phone or accessing music. That being the case, FDOT officials believe that the Safe Phone Zone campaign will bring awareness to distracted driving issues while providing safe areas for drivers to access their gadgets.

An FDOT official noted that, “Motorist safety is our top priority and we are committed to reducing distracted driving on our roads. By calling our rest areas, welcome centers and service plazas ‘Safe Phone Zones,’ we are saying they are much more than just rest stops -- they are safe stops.”

Officials with the Florida Highway Patrol applaud FDOT and GEICO for providing the safe zones, with hopes that the signage will serve as reminders to drivers to “do the right thing and pull over if they need to use their cell phones.”

Stay Safe…and Alert
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are three types of distractions that can lead to automobile collisions: visual distractions, cognitive distractions and manual distractions. Visual distractions are those that cause a driver’s eyes to stray from the roadway. Cognitive distractions tend to take your mind elsewhere while driving. Manual distractions are those that cause a driver’s hands to move away from the steering wheel, as in the case with cell phones and/or GPS devices.

Most drivers know and appreciate the seriousness of distracted driving; however, a large percentage of drivers have admitted to using their phones to read emails or send texts while operating a motor vehicle.

The Ft. Myers personal injury lawyers at the Spivey Law Firm are here to assist those who have been injured by distracted drivers. Randall Spivey and his team understand the seriousness of such accidents and will handle your case with the utmost care and respect it deserves. Contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. today to discuss your legal options.