State Senator Maria Sachs of Delray Beach vows that the Florida legislature will put an end to texting and talking on cellphones while driving. Sachs believes the bill outlawing the use of cellphones while driving will receive support from Democrats and Republicans alike in the upcoming spring session. “I don’t know anybody who could oppose this, to stop the slaughter that’s going on our highways,” Sachs stated.
If you are driving 70 mph down the highway and you send or receive a text, you are likely to spend more than four seconds not giving your full attention to the roadway. This means that you have traveled more than the length of a football field practically blind. Over 100,000 crashes are caused each year nationwide because of cellphone use while driving. In 2011, over 3,000 people died nationally due to this fatal form of distracted driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, texting while driving causes a 23% increase in the likelihood of a crash.
The Florida Sheriff’s Association is one of the groups that support the bill. Broward Sheriff Scott Israel attended a presentation with Sachs at the Broward College’s Institute of Public Safety in Davie that demonstrated the effects of distracted driving. Sheriff Israel stated that this bill is “relevant, it’s important, and as sure as we’re standing here it’s going to save lives.” The bill would outlaw use of anything but a hands-free device while driving, and a first offense would result in a $100 fine, with higher penalties for additional offenses. Florida is one of just six states remaining that do not have laws banning cellphone use while driving.
Senator seeks to ban texting while driving, www.sun-sentinel.com January 31, 2013
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of serious injury accidents. As numerous studies have shown, texting or placing phone calls while driving increases the risk for crashes, injuries, and death exponentially. Many families have confronted the devastating effects of cellphone use while driving first-hand. The Broward car accident attorneys have over two decades of experience working with families to pick up the pieces after tragic motor vehicle accidents. If you or someone you love has been injured due to distracted driving, the Fort Lauderdale insurance litigation attorneys at the Friedland | Carmona can help you! Call (305) 661-2008 for your free consultation today!
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