In Florida, a proposal will be heard by the House regarding texting and driving, which could potentially turn it into a primary offense. Today, texting while driving is still treated as a secondary offense and police officers cannot pull you over if they see you texting while driving. However, if an officer pulls you over for a primary offense, such as speeding, and sees that you were texting while driving, you would be ticketed for both offenses.
The House previously approved a comparable proposal last year, though it did not advance into the Senate due to concerns about racial profiling. This year, the new proposal addresses these concerns by requiring law enforcement officers to document the ethnicity and race of anyone who is cited for texting while driving. So far, this proposal advanced past three committees and is now scheduled to go through the Rules Committee.
If the proposal is successful, a public awareness campaign would follow and citations would be issued, starting on October 1. Texting while driving is a major cause of distracted driving accidents, particularly in recent years, which is why traffic safety advocates are pushing for stricter laws, hopefully deterring drivers from engaging in this habit.
Texting While Driving Statistics
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), about 1.6 million crashes are caused by cell phone use every year. Additionally, these types of accidents result in almost 390,000 injuries every year. Although other cell phone related activities are dangerous and can potentially result in a serious accident, the NSC stated that texting is the most hazardous activity drivers can partake in.
In Florida, texting while driving was first banned as a secondary offense back in 2013 and, given the hazards this activity continues to present on the road, traffic safety advocates are hoping this proposal shifts it into a primary offense.
Speak to an Accident Attorney Who Has Experience Handling Cases Involving Distracted Drivers
Texting while driving is an incredibly dangerous habit that drivers should never engage in. Unfortunately, people sometimes underestimate the risks associated with it and accidents happen. If you sustained injuries in a distracted driving accident, you will need an attorney to fight on your behalf to obtain compensation. At Todd Miner Law®️, we will provide the experienced and knowledgeable legal assistance you need to get through this difficult experience.
With over 31 years of experience under our belt, you can trust that your case will be in good hands with us.
Contact Todd Miner Law®️ today to request a complimentary case review with one of our attorneys. You owe us nothing unless we win your case.
