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Florida One Of 17 States Still Not Banning Texting

A recent Ocala.com report stresses the point that Florida is one of an increasingly small group of states that does not think it necessary to ban texting while driving, despite the overwhelming correlation between texting and fatal or severe motor vehicle accidents in Florida.

Indiana and Maine have become the latest states to ban texting while driving, along with 33 other states, the District of Columbia, Guam and the Virgin Islands.

The Legislature considered several bills concerning the use of hand-held devices during its recent session, which ended May 6th. One would have prohibited drivers younger than 18 from using cell phones while driving; another would have required the DMV to educate drivers about the dangers of using handheld devices while driving.

The first passed the Legislature but was not signed by Gov. Rick Scott. The latter died in the Communications, Energy and Public Utilities committee.

An earlier proposed bill died in the Transportation committee.

In a recent News article, we pointed out that, at a speed of 60 mph, a car travels 28 yards in one second. Texting typically keeps the driver's eyes of the road for periods of 3 to 5 seconds, interrupted by a split-second glance to the front. Is it surprising to find out that texting increases the risk of a serious crash as much as 23 times?

Texting and driving should be banned in Florida, and soon.

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