The dangers of distracted driving are now becoming more and more common knowledge, but there are still a lot of individuals out there who need to be educated.
It’s not just about texting or talking on the phone while you drive; it could be any number of things that take your attention away from what’s happening in front of you. If you’re not paying attention for just a second, someone else might pay with their life.
It’s unfortunate, but it is true; Daytona Beach, Florida, has one of the highest percentages of distracted driving accidents. What’s more, these crashes are often fatal. It can be difficult to change your habits and stop using your cell phone while you drive, but many people have lost their lives as a result of such accidents.
Fatal car accidents are rising in Daytona Beach, Florida, and experts say that cell phone usage is a significant factor. To combat this, it is important for drivers to know about the distracted driving laws in Florida.
A new Florida law bans texting while driving, as well as the use of handheld phones while behind the wheel. The law, which takes effect July 1, doesn’t apply to hands-free devices for talking or GPS systems mounted on the dashboard; however, motorists cannot program their GPS while driving.
School bus drivers aren’t covered under the new statute. The new distracted driving law also prohibits motorists from watching videos while behind the wheel. Motorists who are caught violating both portions of the distracted driving law face a $30 fine for the first offense; subsequent violations cost $60 each, with no points assessed to their license.
Authorities say distracted driving is responsible for an average of six deaths every day across the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving is second only to drunk driving as the most frequent cause of fatal crashes in this country.
Distracted drivers are a menace on the road, but distracted driving has taken a drastic turn in Daytona Beach. After having another distracted driving accident that ended with one fatality, I think it’s time to look into the dangers distracted driving presents for drivers everywhere.
Firstly, distracted driving is defined as any activity that takes your focus off the road. This can include anything from texting to eating to messing with the radio. Nowadays, it seems like almost everyone is guilty of distracted driving in one way or another. While it may seem like no big deal, distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents.
In fact, according to distracted driving statistics, distracted driving causes more than 583,000 accidents every year. Even scarier is the fact that distracted drivers are involved in 1.6 million crashes per year. This means that distracted drivers have a crash about every 30 seconds! If you think of these numbers individually, distracted driving can be hazardous.
On top of that, distracted drivers are not only putting their lives at risk when they decide to focus on something other than the road but also the lives of others. It’s common for distracted drivers to collide with things like guardrails, other vehicles, bicyclists, pedestrians, and highway signs.
A new law was recently passed in Florida, making it illegal for drivers to send or receive text messages while operating a motor vehicle. The distracted driving law, which takes effect on October 1st, will allow police officers to stop distracted motorists and warn them.
This seems like pretty cut-and-dry legislation, but there are a few things you should know about Florida’s distracted driving law.
The law doesn’t just prohibit sending text messages while driving. It also outlaws reading or composing any electronic message, including emails, instant messages, and social media updates.
Under the distracted driving law, drivers can’t even begin writing a text until their cars come to a complete stop.
The distracted driving law doesn’t prohibit motorists from making a phone call while driving.
The distracted driving law doesn’t apply when a car is stopped, either because it’s stuck in heavy traffic or at a red light. In those situations, distracted motorists can send and receive as many text messages as they want.
Police officers in Florida are allowed to stop drivers who they believe are violating the distracted driving law. Officers can also issue warnings to motorists who are caught texting and driving. Drivers caught breaking the law for a second time will be fined $30.
Distracted driving accidents are a serious problem. Here are some things you can do to prevent distracted driving accidents:
If you can’t stop checking your phone when you’re in your car, put it in another part of the car. Keep it out of reach, so you don’t touch it while you’re driving. If this isn’t possible, turn off your phone or put it on airplane mode.
If someone in your car causes distracted driving accidents because they are distracted themselves, that doesn’t mean you aren’t at fault yourself. You can be held responsible for their distracted actions if they cause an accident while they are in your care and control. Make sure everyone who drives with you knows not to use their phone while driving.
The best way to prevent distracted driving accidents is to be aware of the dangers of distracted driving. Teach your kids about the risks of distracted driving, and set a good example for them. If we all work together to prevent distracted driving, we can save lives.
If you have been involved in a distracted driving accident, it is important to seek the help of a lawyer. Distracted driving accidents can be very serious and often result in serious injuries. A lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
If you have been in a distracted driving accident, you should speak to a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. The lawyers at Zimmet & Zimmet can help you get the compensation you deserve. We have years of experience handling distracted driving accidents, and we know how to get results. Contact us today for more information.
Founder and Senior Member of Zimmet & Zimmet
Mr. Zimmet has practiced trial law in Central Florida since 1975 and currently represents plaintiffs in the areas of personal injury, nursing malpractice, and medical malpractice.
