Every change made to the traffic code in this country is not made by chance. It is made to improve the safety of everyone who comes near roads and pedestrians. At this point, Florida is about to change everything, as there is a new legislation on the table (already approved by the State Senate) regarding hands-free driving. The idea is to put an end to mobile phone use while driving, since it is one of the main causes of distractions behind the wheel. We tell you everything below.
Why are these changes being made?
This law has been proposed now after Senator Erin Grall promoted a law to include all types of portable communication devices within the current ban on texting while driving.
What is this law based on?
There have been years of incidents caused by distractions, but during the bill process (Bill SB 1318), lawmakers listened to Demetrius Branca, a woman who lost her son in a crash caused by a distracted driver. Her message was clear and powerful: “This is not about civil liberties, it’s about preventing unnecessary deaths.” Her story moved both the chamber and public opinion, and of course, helped cement political support for the project that we find so necessary.
Is Florida the only state implementing this measure?
Not at all. Florida joins as the 30th state to include similar measures, including Alabama and Georgia in their current laws. It was the Senate chamber along with the Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Appropriations Committee who ultimately decided to adopt this measure.
Support from local counties
Other counties have shown their support for this measure, such as Osceola County, one of the first to firmly back the project. The support came not only from local leaders like Nancy Nelson, whose family was a victim of a distracted driver, but also from residents in the area like Ilya Jacobs, who raised awareness about the dangers in tourist areas. They demonstrated that this law not only has a human face, but a real need, and that distractions behind the wheel are truly dangerous and stricter laws are needed.
What does the law consist of?
It’s very simple: anything that causes you to take your hands off the wheel is prohibited while the car is in use (and we don’t say in motion because when waiting at a traffic light, you are also using the car even if it’s stopped).
The proposal will expand the current ban on texting while driving to include all use of portable wireless devices while driving. No more calls, no navigation, no social media. Additionally, officers must specify the type of device used during each infraction, which will allow useful data to be collected for future improvements in legislation.
And the penalties?
The legal framework is expected to include much harsher penalties and detailed records of each infraction, since the goal is for drivers to think twice before looking at their phones instead of the road.
When does it take effect?
Most likely, this new law will begin to be implemented on July 1 (if approved) and could prevent serious accidents related to distracted drivers. This is a very important first step in instilling safe driving behaviour in all drivers in the state, as the main goal remains to protect all road users. Getting home safe and sound shouldn’t be a matter of luck, but a daily fact for all people who go out on the streets.