Why States are Considering Stiffer Penalties for Distracted Driving
Distracted driving accounts for thousands of accidents every year and, as Florida has one of the highest rates for accidents, it stands to reason to crack-down on distracted driving.
In Florida currently, texting and driving is a secondary offense. This means that if you are texting while driving, you cannot be pulled over for that alone. If you are cited for a primary offense, such as running a red light or going through a stop sign, then texting can be added on as a secondary offense. This may soon change.
New Bill Gets Tough on Distracted Driving
There is a new bill that would make distracted driving of any type a primary offense. The list is not limited to using your phone while driving. According to the proposed legislation, it also includes “reading, writing, performing personal grooming, applying a beauty aid or similar products, interacting with pets or unsecured cargo [and] using a personal wireless communications device.
Pets Get in the Way
Many people consider their pets as family members and often treat them like children – except when it comes to traveling in a car. AAA and a pet travel products company conducted a survey eight years ago which revealed that slightly over half the people riding with their dogs in the car are also petting them. Twenty percent allow their dogs to sit in their lap. Nearly thirty percent of those surveyed admitted being distracted by their pet while driving.
Distracted driving is dangerous no matter what the distraction is. Just as you would not allow your child to be unsecured in the car for safety reasons, you should also restrain your pet for its own safety as well as yours.
Pay Attention to the Road
Distracted driving is a serious problem on the highways. Measures to eliminate distracted driving are designed to save lives and prevent serious injuries. Putting on makeup, shaving, reading, writing and texting are all things that should not be done while driving. Life is worth more than the split-second distraction that causes an accident.
The attorneys at Tison Law Group are very familiar with the hardships families face when a loved one has been injured in an accident. We provide excellent legal representation for our clients and bring over 50 years of experience to the case, prioritizing the needs of our clients above all else. Contact us for a one-hour consultation about your personal injury case. Browse our website for information about the additional legal services we offer.
