Texting While Driving is now Illegal in Flordia
It will soon be illegal to text while driving in the state of Florida. As of Tuesday, October 1, 2013, State legislators successfully passed the texting while driving ban across the entire state.
This new law is one of more than two dozen additional laws passed by state legislators that are scheduled to begin. Florida is joining 40 other states with similar bans on texting while driving.
The law makes it a secondary offense which means that law enforcement officers are required to stop drivers for another offense before they are ticketed and charged with texting while driving.
Distracted driving is dangerous and it is one of the leading causes of accidents in the United States. On any given day, more than 9 people are killed and more than 1,060 people are injured in crashes that are the direct result of a distracted driver. Distracted driving can be caused not only by using cellphone or texting while behind the wheel, but also other things such as adjusting a radio, CD or MP3 player, grooming and putting on makeup, eating and drinking, talking to other passengers, reading a map or using a navigation system such as a GPS device.
The largest number of distracted driving accidents is caused by cellphone use or texting while driving. A driver who texts while driving increases their chances of being involved in an accident by more than 23%. According to a study conducted by researchers at Virginia Tech, texting while driving is now regarded as potentially being even more dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drivers who text have their eyes off of the road an average of five seconds at a time. It only takes a split second for an accident to occur, so keeping your eyes on the road at all times can make all of the difference.
If you or a loved one has been injured or has tragically died in an accident that was a direct result of distracted driving, give our offices a call. Our attorneys have years of experience within the Texas courts and will take the time to discuss the specifics of your case. Once we match you with a legal professional to represent you and your case, your attorney will carefully listen and then outline all of your options. Our attorneys are dedicated in helping you to receive the maximum compensation for any damages, injuries and even long term suffering. Legal cases involving distracted driving can be complicated and drawn out. The consultation with us is both confidential and free. We are here to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.