Distracted driving continues to be a problem in Florida and across the United States. There are so many distractions that can affect a person’s driving. Besides the distractions caused by typical activities, like eating, playing music, putting on makeup, etc., cell phones have become the major driving distraction in recent years. Our state, like many other states, is passing laws trying to combat the use of cell phones while driving to help prevent accidents.
A law recently went into effect on October 1 that mandates drivers in our state must be hands free in work zones and school zones. Hands free means that drivers cannot have their cell phones in their hands while they are driving through a construction zone or school zone. Florida already has a ban on texting while driving, and this mandate is an extension of that law that went into effect earlier this year. Beginning on January 1, 2020, drivers who are caught with their cell phones in their hands in these zones will receive a citation with fines and point reductions on their driver’s license.
Distracted driving continues to be a major cause of serious car accidents in Florida. Distracted driving can be especially dangerous in areas where there is construction or in school zones where children are crossing the road. Drivers need to understand that their role is to drive as safely as possible with minimal distractions.
If a family believes their loved one was seriously injured or killed by a distracted driver, compensation may be available for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and other damages. Many families in the Hillsborough area have been affected by a distracted driver. These situations could have been avoided if the driver would have not been distracted. Victims of a distracted driver have the legal right to hold them responsible.
