We need to get MADD about driving and cell phone use!

The key to safe driving is to focus on the road and to avoid distractions. In fact, it has been reported that using a cell phone while driving equates to driving after consuming four alcoholic beverages. This statistic begs the following question: Why is there such a disproportionate amount of concern (and laws) pertaining to drinking and driving and no regulations regarding using a cell phone and driving?

On September 23, 2008, thirteen year-old Frances Schee was killed while riding the bus home. The school bus made a routine stop on U.S. 301 when a semi rear-ended it just outside of Ocala. While the facts and evidence are still being collected, the truck driver stated he was on his cell phone and didn't see the bus. 

The potential dangers of using a cell phone while driving are far from a recent issue, and cell phone related motor vehicle accidents have increased at a frightening rate over the past 15 years. Yet despite the facts staring every cell phone user in the face, cell phone usage in the car is more prevalent today than ever before.

Currently, only five states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws that forbid using a hand-held cell phone while operating a motor vehicle.  Countries such as Brazil, UK, France, Japan, and Australia have already passed strict laws forbidding this practice.

As a personal injury lawyer in Gainesville, Florida, serving Ocala and all of North Florida I see the results of accidents every day and I wonder, How many more tragedies like the one outside of Ocala must occur before this issue is taken seriously?