Texting and driving may soon be illegal in Florida

Texting and driving may soon be illegal in Florida

By Kimberly Maroe

      Broward County Commissioner Chip LaMarca is applauding the passage of a Senate Bill that makes texting and driving illegal in Florida. The bill (SB 13) makes texting and driving a secondary offense, meaning that law enforcement officers would stop drivers for a primary violation, such as speeding, before writing a ticket for sending or reading texts or emails while operating a car.

     “This bill will save lives and hopefully further enforce the notion that texting and sending emails while behind the wheel is a deadly practice that is responsible for numerous deaths everyday nationwide. Passage of this bill reinforces Broward County’s public education campaign ‘Take 5 to Stay Alive. Don’t Text & Drive’.

     I encourage the passage of a companion Bill HB 13 by the Florida House of Representatives,” said Commissioner LaMarca. The Senate bill calls for a $30 fine, plus court costs for a first time violation. A second violation would result in three points on the driver’s record plus a $60 fine and court costs if the driver is ticketed within five years of the first violation.

     The bill does allow drivers to text or e-mail when stopped, such as at a red light. Commissioner LaMarca has been an outspoken advocate for legislation that prevents people from texting or e-mailing while driving. He is a firm supporter of the “Take 5 to Stay Alive” campaign that was sponsored by the Board of County Commissioners and the Broward Regional EMS Council. The public awareness program encourages people to take a break from driving and pull off the road when using a cell phone.

     On May 14, the Commissioner will present a proclamation that designates the month of May as “Take 5 to Stay Alive. Don’t Text & Drive.” month in Broward County. In January, Broward Commissioners adopted a resolution regarding the dangers of texting and driving.

     The ban isn’t a done deal yet. It still needs to go through the Florida House of Representatives for discussion and a vote. For more information on the “Take 5 to Stay Alive. Don’t Text & Drive.” public service campaign please visit broward.org/Take5.