Any task that interferes with a driver's ability to concentrate fully on the road and cars around them constitutes distraction. Taking your eyes off the road for any reason for a mere five seconds while traveling at 55mph is equivalent to traveling the length of an entire football field blindfolded. It's no wonder that distracted drivers cause thousands of accidents every year.
A visually or cognitively distracted driver can mean the difference between a safe route home, and a crash that can change your life forever. Running red lights, stop signs and speeding are all consequences of distracted driving behavior - and so are accidents.
What are the laws on distracted driving in Florida?
In Florida, the 2017 statutes regarding distracted driving specifically target the usage of mobile phones. These laws were put into place in order to safeguard drivers from potential accidents easily caused by distracted driving. There are exceptions for device usage, however. Typing or calling is allowed when reporting a criminal offense or emergency to authorities, or receiving messages pertaining to the operation or navigation of the vehicle.
Florida's "Ban on Texting While Driving Law" was put into place in order to improve roadway safety. Negligent drivers are not only putting others at risk of an accident if they disobey rulings-they are breaking the law.
Prohibitions for the usage of wireless (defined as any handheld device able to receive and transmit messages) and mobile devices include:
- Texting
- Emailing
- Instant messaging
- Any behavior that requires manually typing or entering multiple letters, numbers or characters into a device
- Any behavior that involves reading or sending messages
Citations can be issued if a motorist is stopped by authorities. Legally, any mental or physical activity that takes place while driving and takes the driver's focus off the road is considered distracted driving. In the event of a crash caused by such negligence, distracted driving may be cited as a cause. Distracted driving is one of the state's top traffic safety concerns, and its laws should be taken seriously.
We're focused on your cause
The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic is here for you when a negligent driver is responsible for your accident. We know how devastating auto accidents can be, which is why we dedicate ourselves to aiding you in getting the compensation you deserve. Motorists that show blatant disregard for the rules of the road should be held accountable. We can put our decades of experience behind your case and fight for your justice.
Contact us for a free case evaluation today. We believe in achieving justice for the victims of distracted driving accidents. We will work tirelessly to prove your case.
