Texting-while-driving ban clears Senate

Texting-while-driving ban clears Senate

By: Bill Cotterell

Florida is one of only five states not outlawing texting while driving — but, hoping to stamp out an “epidemic” of the dangerous activity, the Florida legislature may be changing that soon.

The Senate voted 36-0 for the bill (SB 52) which would make texting a “secondary” offense while driving. That means a traffic officer would have to see the driver violating another safety law before pulling them over.

The companion House bill (HB 13) is said to have its best chance of passage this year because the House leadership does not oppose the bill.

If passed, drivers could still check their messages, or send one, while waiting at a red light or when pulled over to the roadside. Voice-activated texting would also be allowed, but not manual entry of data into any mobile device.

An officer would have to observe the driver’s use of a hand-held electronic device and determine that it caused the driver to weave out of lanes; or make other mistakes behind the wheel.

A first offense of texting while driving would be punishable by a $30 fine. Getting caught again within five years would double the fine, and add three points against a driver’s license.

Sponsors say they want to raise public awareness and make young drivers get in the no-texting habit — just as seatbelt use became commonplace after the Legislature made it a secondary offense to drive without buckling up.

A broad coalition of major lobbying organizations — including AAA, the PTA, medical and insurance associations, police and sheriffs organizations and big companies such as AT&T and Walt Disney World — have rallied behind the legislation.