While some states have specific legislation which directly addresses and defines distracted driving, Florida has yet to pass any laws delineating for legal purposes precisely what it is. However, we can discuss it in general terms.
Texting While Driving
One of the most popular examples of distracted driving is texting while driving. According to a Nationwide Insurance study, an estimated 20% of drivers are sending or receiving text messages while behind the wheel of the car. When we combine this statistic with another which shows the great majority of drivers who are texting are young – ages 18-24 – it makes for deadly set of circumstances, not only for the drivers who are texting, but also those with which they share the roads.
Currently Florida has no laws prohibiting or even restricting drivers from texting.
Over the last several years, the Florida legislature has considered several bills banning drivers from text messaging and operating hand-held cellular phones while driving. Other legislations considered sought to restrict younger drivers from using any wireless communications while operating a vehicle. None of the bills have passed into current legislation. Still, the problem of distracted driving continues to mount as handheld electronics proliferate in the marketplace.
Other Types Of Distracted Driving
But research also shows that other distractions while driving such as eating, adjusting the stereo, tending to small children, conversations with other passengers in the car or simply gazing at objects outside the vehicle occur very frequently and can be just as distracting as talking on a cell phone.
Ultimately, it is obvious that no one wants to be involved in a traffic accident but people continue to allow their attention to be diverted while driving. What is the answer?
Distracted driving, in all its forms, can best be addressed through efforts to educate the public on its dangers. Education on the dangers of driving distraction must be informative and frequent.
According to the AAA, distracted driving – including the use of cell phones – is a major contributor to automobile crashes. Between 4,000 and 8,000 crashes related to distracted driving occur daily in the United States. In a year, they contribute to as many as one-half of the 6 million U.S. crashes reported annually.
Will banning hand-held cell phones improve safety? Not according to current research. A study funded by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety about the effects of cell phone use on driver attention found that the distraction of using a hands-free cell phone is about the same as tuning a radio.
We at the Lowman Law Firm are very concerned because we see a growing number of distracted driving accidents in Spring Hill, Brooksville and Central Florida. Our statistics reflect national numbers, confirming that inattentive driving is a serious issue. If you have been hurt in an accident and you think that the other driver was practicing “distracted driving,” contact us right away. It could be the best decision you ever make.