Florida Law to Ban Dangerous Driving While Text Messaging Considered
Florida and other states are starting to look into fining drivers who are sending text messages or emails while driving. According to a recent survey by Nationwide Insurance, one in five drivers text message while driving. That ratio increases to about one in three drivers for drivers between the ages of 18 and 34. The danger to the public of drivers using a text message or email device while driving are obvious. They require a driver to look at the device instead of the road and take one hand, or often both hands, off of the steering wheel to use the device. It is not uncommon to see another driver looking down at Blackberry or similar device that the driver is holding while he or she uses his or her knees to steer the vehicle. Of course, sending a text message or email often elicits a response that quickly takes the driver's focus back off of the road.
Florida laws banning driving while talking on a cell phone have been proposed to the Florida Legislature, but they have not passed. The 2008 Florida Legislature will be considering a law that would ban drivers from sending or receiving text messages while on the road. However, it seems like the Florida Legislature is more focused on passing laws affecting only drivers under the age of 18, according to this article from the TCPalm.com.
According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 20 to 30 percent of all motor vehicle accidents are caused by distractions from cell phone use. It is unclear if those numbers include text messaging or sending emails or just relate to talking on a cell phone. However, with the increasing use of mobile devices that can send text messages and emails, the dangers of driving while distracted and causing an injury accident are sure to increase.
