It may only take a few seconds to send a text message, but the short amount of time required to type out a message can make for distracted driving, a problem state lawmakers say needs to be a bigger priority in Florida.
Texting while driving was involved in nearly 300,000 crashes in 2012 alone, according to numbers from the National Safety Council. Texting while driving can be especially dangerous for teens, who text on average five times more than adults.
Yet, in Florida, texting while driving still remains a secondary offense, which means offenders cant be penalized for using their phones while driving unless theyre caught for something else like speeding or running a red light.
But state lawmakers are putting their weight behind a measure to crack down on texting while driving penalties, pushing legislation to make it a primary offense to pick up your phone and send messages while on the road.
As a mother and as someone who is in a position to help other families, I think it is imperative to make sure [the ban] works, said Sen. Maria Sachs, D-Delray Beach, who has sponsored legislation to make texting while driving a primary offense. And it works as a primary offense.
Sachs legislation would also double the fines associated with texting while driving, increasing the fine from $30 to $60.
Nationwide, the call to end texting while driving is getting louder. AT&T, the second largest provider of mobile telephones in the country, has taken big steps to make texting and driving history.
In 2009, AT&T Chairman Randall Stephenson announced efforts to raise awareness of the dangers of texting while driving through the It Can Wait campaign.
Our Texting & Driving, It Can Wait program has delivered a simple yet vital message to all wireless users: When it comes to texting and driving, no text is worth a life. It Can Wait, said Stephanie Smith, director of AT&T Public Affairs.
AT&T has since created a free app to automatically send customizable replies to incoming texts when a person is behind the wheel. That way, drivers wont be tempted to pick up their phone to send out messages and become distracted, which AT&T says makes roads a little bit safer.
Since the campaign began, AT&T has logged 6 million pledges to stop texting while driving.
When it comes to increasing the penalties for texting and driving, AT&T says its onboard with legislation to put an end to the practice.
We are supportive of state bans on texting while driving, said Smith. Government and the private sector should work together on sustained education and awareness of its dangers.
The House version of Sachs bill has yet to be heard in any committees.
Reach Tampa-based reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunsinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen
