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It is already against the law to text while driving in the state of Florida, but the police are not allowed to pull motorists over unless the driver is violating other statutes. Texting while driving is not designated a primary offense by legislators. But a new law, recently passed through the state judiciary committee, seeks to change that.
Most of the country already designates texting while driving a primary offense, allowing police officers to pull drivers over and ticket them if they are spotted taking part in this dangerous behavior. Only a few states have no laws on the books regarding use of electronic devices while behind the wheel, and a few more still consider this form of distracted driving to be a secondary offense despite the danger it poses to other drivers.
Making the change from a secondary to a primary offense could have major repercussions for safety in the state. Texting while driving may cause over one and a half million accidents per year. It is good that Florida may finally join the ranks of states that take this behavior seriously. As of now, the police must wait until after the driver puts others at risk through visibly distracted and dangerous driving, or even wait until after an accident occurs. By that point, the damage is already often done.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in an accident, and you suspect that the other driver was texting or otherwise utilizing an electronic device, it is important you hold them accountable for their actions. It is never acceptable to put others at risk for the convenience of checking messages. Please, consult with an experienced attorney who can help you determine whether or not the other driver was at fault.
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Finz & Finz, P.C. is a New York and Long Island personal injury law firm based out of Mineola, NY. It was founded in 1984 and is highly rated, with many honors and awards of excellence.
