
For several years, bills against text messaging while driving have faltered in the Florida Legislature. This year, another bill has been filed again by Sen. Frederica Wilson and Rep. Doug Holder. If the bill is passed, it will make texting while driving illegal and those drivers who text would have to pay a penalty in the amount of $30.
A new study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute shows that those who text at the wheel are 23 times more likely to cause an accident than those who do not text. Those few seconds that a driver spends looking at a cell phone may change the driver's and other people's lives forever. A texting driver may not see another vehicle or a pedestrian, may cross into the opposite direction lane, or may go off the road. Rep. Holder hopes that the study and the increased awareness about the dangers of texting while driving will help the legislators to make the right choice and vote for the bill.
Currently, there are 14 states banning texting while operating a motor vehicle. Numerous fatal accidents caused by texters at the wheel have facilitated the passage of laws. Recently, three more states, Illinois, Oregon, and New Hampshire, adopted texting bans that will take effect on January 1, 2010.
For more information, please see:
Bad News For Floridians on the Road; Texting and Celling Behind The Wheel Remains Legal
Common Driving Distractions
Don't Let Them Longhorns Outshine Us - Here is What You Can Do
Texting While Driving... It Should Be Illegal in Florida
Begin your case review by filling out the form below or call us toll free at 1-800-373-8000.
Jeffrey Meldon & Associates, PA
703 North Main Street
Suite A
Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: (352) 373-8000
Fax: (352) 373-8400
Toll Free: (800) 373-8000
Get Directions