• 17
  • January
    2012

With evidence mounting that any type of cellphone distraction in a moving car can lead to a deadly accident, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has made sweeping recommendations to eliminate the danger.

The NTSB called for all states to ban talking, texting and emailing while driving - including talking on hands-free devices. While not every state is necessarily prepared to institute a complete ban on cellphone use by drivers, the NTSB's recommendation brings visibility to an important safety issue and seeks to reduce the number of auto accidents.

While the NTSB does not create the law, its recommendations are meaningful to both state legislators and federal regulators. The agency also called for strong enforcement of existing laws.

Florida Law on the Use of Cellphones While Driving

As in other states, Florida's laws on the use of cellphones fall short of the NTSB's recommendation. Although Florida lawmakers have tried to make texting while driving illegal, Florida remains one of only 15 states that do not ban the practice.

A Florida state senator's current proposal would ban texting while driving for all drivers, making it a secondary offense. Texting while driving would encompass typical texting in addition to writing instant messages and emails. A first violation would net a $30 fine; a second within five years would result in a $60 fine and three to six points on the driver's license, depending on whether the violation caused a crash. Another bill would block Florida minors, and possibly bus drivers, from using cellphones while driving.

Florida distracted driving can result in serious injuries and even death for drivers, passengers and pedestrians. Whether or not the current proposed legislation passes, Florida drivers must remain vigilant and avoid negligent driving.

Source: Tampa Bay Times, "Federal agency calls for total ban on all cellphone use while driving," Dec. 14, 2011