Tampa Bay Injury Attorney Blog
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
Lawmakers, law enforcement and families who have faced the danger of distracted driving firsthand are urging all Florida drivers to put the phone down while behind the wheel.
At least 233 Floridians were killed by distracted drivers in 2018, according to data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The Florida Highway Patrol says, on average, distracted driving accounts for more than 1,000 crashes in our state every week.
Under current Florida law, texting while driving is only a secondary offense. That means drivers can’t be pulled over for texting alone.
Some, are trying to change that, and Florida’s laws could soon change.
Even though Florida does have a statewide texting ban in place, many people continue to engage in the behavior. Distracted driving is defined as any activity that could take a driver’s attention away from the primary task of driving. While texting behind the wheel is considered the most dangerous distraction, others include:
- Talking on the phone
- Eating and drinking
- Talking to or interacting with passengers
- Personal grooming
- Reading maps
- Watching videos
- Adjusting a radio or other audio player
- Using a navigation system
If you or a family member was harmed in an accident caused by a distracted driver, our Tampa Bay Auto Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can help. Call us at 813-221-3200 or contact us online for a free consultation. We have several satellite offices and meeting locations. We will gladly meet you for an appointment that is convenient to you, or even at your home or hospital room.