Distracted driving has become a serious issue across the United States, and Florida is no exception. With the increasing use of smartphones, in-car technologies, and other distractions, the dangers associated with distracted driving have reached epidemic levels. As a result, Florida has taken steps to address this issue through laws aimed at reducing distracted driving and improving road safety.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts attention from driving. This includes activities like texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or even talking to passengers. The most dangerous form of distracted driving is texting while driving, as it requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention—all of which are essential for safe driving.
In Florida, distracted driving has become a major safety concern. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), distractions are responsible for a significant number of traffic accidents, injuries, and fatalities in the state. In 2020 alone, over 50,000 crashes were caused by distracted driving, leading to more than 3,000 serious injuries and over 200 fatalities.
Florida’s Response: The Ban on Texting While Driving
In response to the growing problem, Florida has taken legislative steps to curb distracted driving, particularly focusing on texting while driving. In 2019, Florida passed a law making texting while driving a primary offense, meaning law enforcement officers could pull over drivers solely for texting. Prior to this law, texting while driving was a secondary offense, meaning drivers could only be ticketed for texting if they were stopped for another violation.
This change in the law aimed to give law enforcement officers greater authority to address the dangerous behavior. The law prohibits drivers from manually typing or reading texts, emails, or other written communications while driving. The penalty for texting while driving in Florida includes a fine and points on the driver’s license, with harsher penalties for repeat offenders.
While texting was the primary focus of Florida’s distracted driving laws, lawmakers have since considered other forms of distracted driving as well. In 2021, Florida introduced legislation that expanded the focus to include handheld phone use while driving. Although the bill didn’t pass, it highlighted the growing awareness of the need to tackle all forms of distracted driving, not just texting.
Additionally, public education campaigns have been launched to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. These campaigns, often coordinated by law enforcement agencies and advocacy groups, aim to educate drivers on the risks associated with using phones or engaging in other distractions behind the wheel. Programs like “Put It Down” and “U Drive. U Text. U Pay” have been critical in spreading the message about the importance of staying focused while driving.
What More Can Be Done?
While Florida has made strides in addressing distracted driving, there is still work to be done. Expanding the laws to cover all forms of phone use while driving, including hands-free devices, could be an important next step. Additionally, continuing to raise public awareness through education campaigns and promoting technology that discourages phone use while driving can further help reduce distracted driving incidents.
Technology itself can also play a role in curbing distractions. Smartphone apps that disable texting and other functions while driving, or in-car systems that limit the use of mobile phones, are becoming more common. The use of these technologies, coupled with stricter laws and continued education, could significantly reduce distracted driving and make Florida’s roads safer.
If you have been involved in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may deserve compensation. Call Probinsky & Cole to learn more about your rights and to determine if you have a case.
