For many Americans, going anywhere without a cell phone seems out of the question. Talking, texting, surfing the web, the capabilities of many of the smart phones on the market today are really remarkable. Unfortunately, there are times when using your cell phone can pose a danger to yourself and others. In a statement made by the National Safety Council in 2010, approximately 1.6 million crashes every year are the result of a user talking or texting on their cell phone. It should come as no surprise that many states are enacting laws limiting the use of a cell phone while driving and that police nationwide are ever vigilant to catch offenders.
Texting while driving is just one example of a distraction that a driver should attempt to avoid. Texting while driving not only leads to accidents but may also be illegal if a recently proposed ban is passed.
The Bay News reports that for the fourth year in a row, Florida lawmakers will consider whether texting while driving should be considered a non-moving violation. If the bill passes, violating the ban would carry a $30 fine. The Bay News quotes Ken Hutchinson on this hot topic, “There’s usefulness for it, but not while you’re driving. I mean the whole idea behind getting a text message is you can answer it at your own leisure and at your own pace. You don’t have to answer it right now.” If the proposal passes, Florida will join the 37 states (and Washington D.C) that already place a ban on texting while driving.
Whether texting at the wheel or partaking in another activity other than driving here are some basic tips to help you keep your eyes on the road:
- Resist Temptation: Out of sight, out of mind is a motto that may apply here. Place your phone in a back seat or turn it off to resist the temptation to text or make phone calls.
- Make Adjustments Before You Start Driving: Music, check. Directions, check. Know what you need before you drive and get everything in order. Whether that involves plugging in directions into your GPS or selecting the perfect playlist on your iPod, make sure to do these things before you start your engine.
- Know the Law: The law is always changing and ignorance of it is no defense. Make sure to check back on our blog to find out if the proposed ban is passed. Knowing the law may just be enough to keep you out of trouble!
Let’s face it– there are many activities that drivers do in their car that cause distractions. Applying makeup, eating your lunch or dinner and dealing with children in the back seat are all activities that can cause huge interruptions while you are behind the wheel. If you have recently received a ticket for driving while distracted by one activity or another, get in touch with the attorneys at Finebloom & Haenel P.A. to discuss your case. And as always, safe driving everyone!
