A motor vehicle can be a lethal weapon if the driver is distracted. Cell phone use is the biggest culprit of distracted driving and unfortunately is the cause of many accidents every day. This kind of distracted driving has become an epidemic across the country, and has actually encouraged lawmakers to create “hands free” laws and other regulations to make the road a safer place for everyone.

What are some ways that a driver can become distracted?

Texting and driving might be the biggest cause of distracted driving, but there are some other things that drivers might do that would be considered distracted driving:

  • Adjusting the air in the vehicle
  • Using headphones or earbuds
  • Eating or drinking
  • Grooming, combing hair, or putting on makeup
  • Distractions from other passengers (this can be especially true for parents who are driving with children in the car)
  • Adjusting GPS
  • Changing radio stations
  • Rubber-necking to see an accident
  • Reading while driving

43 states have introduced legislation in regards to the use of cell phones while operating a motor vehicle, and Florida recently extended their reckless driving laws to include texting and driving.

In May of 2019, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law that made texting while driving a primary offense in the state of Florida.

  • 1st Violation: non-moving offense & no points against license
  • 2nd Violation: moving violation with 3 points on the driver’s record

Keep in mind: drivers are allowed to text at red lights or stop signs.

Texting while driving causes a driver to be distracted and take their eyes off the road, which increases the chances of a collision with oncoming traffic or drivers who are in another lane. It can also cause drivers to not see traffic stopping in front of them in time to stop, causing a rear-end collision. When your car is moving, it only takes a second of distraction to cause an accident, and texting and driving = distracted driving. Don’t text and drive!

Have you been injured in an accident due to a distracted driver or someone that was texting and driving? Are you aware that cell phone records can be used to prove that the at-fault driver was using their cell phone to talk or text while operating their car on the roadway?

Call Katherine Stone, an experienced injury law attorney at Injury Florida Law Firm if you have been injured or involved in a texting and driving accident in Tampa Bay. Contact Injury Florida Law Firm at 813-485-8041.