Distracted driving continues to be one of the most pressing safety concerns for motorists, both in Florida and across the country. Many states have tough laws in place to combat distracted driving, and many believe Florida should follow suit. One step in the fight against distracted driving is to implement laws that prohibit phone use while driving.
There are a few Florida lawmakers who are currently working to make that happen. They are pushing for tougher laws that will increase penalties for those who user their phones while operating a vehicle. One reason for this push is because Florida’s distracted driving deaths are increasing while the national average is decreasing. This may be indicative of the need for tougher laws.
Taking a stand against distraction
You may be interested to know that Florida is one of only five states where holding a phone while driving is not a primary offense. This means that a police officer cannot pull a driver over solely because he or she is using a phone. The driver must be committing another offense in addition to using the phone, such as speeding. If this new law passes, it would make it illegal for a driver to touch his or her phone while driving.
Florida is one of the top-ranked states for distracted driving. While there are many things that can distract a person while he or she is behind the wheel, phone use is one of the main reasons drivers are not attentive to the road. Consider the following:
- Many drivers in the state believe that current laws are not strict enough.
- There were approximately 50,000 distraction-related accidents in Florida in 2017.
- In 2017, thousands suffered serious injuries in distracted driving accidents, and there were 200 fatalities.
Stronger laws will not completely resolve the issue of distracted driving, but it can be beneficial to give law enforcement an ability to stop drivers they see making negligent choices that can endanger others.
The rights of distracted driving victims
Whether or not the state passes tougher laws on distracted driving, victims still have the right to hold liable drivers accountable and seek appropriate compensation through a civil claim. If you are a victim of the reckless choices of another person, you have the right to pursue legal recourse.
It may be possible to secure compensation for your financial losses, medical expenses and emotional duress. If you think this is an appropriate course of action for you, it might be helpful to discuss your case with an experienced personal injury attorney.
