Florida's Law on Texting and Driving: Moody Law Taking Action Against

Distracted driving has become a significant concern across the United States, leading to countless accidents and devastating consequences for victims and their families. Among the many forms of distracted driving, texting while driving has emerged as a particularly dangerous behavior. Texting while driving is illegal in the State of Florida. While this law has been in effect for several years, many do not realize that Motorists in the state of Florida can be stopped and issued a citation for texting and driving. These citations can result in hefty fines and points assessed to the violators’ license. Specifically, Florida Law clearly states that “A person may not operate a motor vehicle while manually typing or entering multiple letters, numbers, symbols, or other characters into a wireless communications device or while sending or reading data on such a device for the purpose of non-voice interpersonal communication, including, but not limited to, communication methods known as texting, e-mailing, and instant messaging.” Fla. Stat. 316.305. As a firm dedicated to fighting for the rights of personal injury victims, Moody Law proudly supports the "Put it Down" Campaign and advocates for the elimination of car crashes caused by distracted driving.

Understanding the Dangers of Distracted Driving:
Distracted driving occurs when a driver diverts their attention away from the road, potentially endangering themselves and others. Distractions can take various forms, such as using a cellphone, eating, grooming, or engaging with in-vehicle technologies. Of these distractions, texting while driving is particularly hazardous due to its cognitive, visual, and manual components, all of which significantly reduce a driver's ability to respond to potential hazards on the road.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, distracted driving encompasses three kinds of distractions: anything that takes your hands off the wheel (manual), anything that takes your eyes off the road (visual), and anything that takes your mind off of driving (cognitive). Texting while driving requires a combination of all three of the types of driving distractions which makes it one of the most dangerous and most common distracted driving behaviors. It is important to focus on the road at all times in order to timely notice and react to changes in traffic patterns in order to avoid a crash.  

Florida's Response: The "Put it Down" Campaign 
Recognizing the urgent need to address the issue of distracted driving, Florida has taken proactive steps to protect its residents and visitors. Moody Law is proud to support the "Put it Down" Campaign, a comprehensive initiative designed to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and encourage responsible behavior on the road.

One significant measure implemented as part of this campaign is the enactment of new laws specifically targeting texting while driving. Under this law, texting and driving is now a primary offense in Florida, meaning law enforcement officers can pull over drivers solely for that violation. Previously, texting while driving was only a secondary offense, requiring another traffic violation to be committed before a driver could be ticketed for texting.

The Impact:
The introduction of this law signifies a crucial step forward in combating distracted driving in Florida. By making texting and driving a primary offense, the law sends a clear message that this behavior will not be tolerated, and those who engage in it will face consequences. The increased enforcement and potential penalties will serve as a deterrent to individuals tempted to use their phones while driving.

Additionally, the law's primary offense status enables law enforcement officers to take immediate action when they observe a driver texting behind the wheel. This provision allows for more effective enforcement and, ultimately, a safer driving environment for all.

Moody Law: Committed to Fighting for Personal Injury Victims:
As a personal injury law firm, Moody Law is dedicated to helping those who have suffered due to the negligence of others. We understand the devastating impact that distracted driving accidents can have on individuals and their families, and we are here to support and advocate for victims.

Through our partnership with the "Put it Down" Campaign, we strive to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and encourage responsible behaviors on the road. Our team is committed to seeking justice for those affected by distracted driving accidents, holding negligent drivers accountable, and helping victims obtain the compensation they deserve.

Put it Down – the text can wait!

For more statistics on distracted driving, please click HERE. 

SOURCES:

https://www.flhsmv.gov/safety-center/driving-safety/distracted-driving/

https://www.fdot.gov/Safety/programs/distracted-driving.shtm

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According to the FLHSMV  “Distracted Driving Crash Dashboard,” there were 54,208 car crashes in the State of Florida in 2022 with 2,639 of those crashes resulting serious injuries and 273 of them resulting in death.