JUSTICE DEMANDS DILIGENCE

Texting and driving is a danger to you and other motorists

On Behalf of | May 11, 2022 | Motor Vehicle Collisions

Many of us feels simply glued to our cellphones. The first thing we check in the morning is our cellphone and the last thing we check before we go to sleep is our cellphone. Still, cellphone use is not always safe, especially when driving.

What constitutes distracted driving?

A driver can be distracted in many ways. Cellphone use is one of the most significant ways a driver can be distracted. This is because cellphone use encompasses all three types of distractions.

A cellphone is visually distracting because it takes a motorist’s eyes off the road. A cellphone is manually distracting because it takes a motorist’s hands off the wheel. Finally, a cellphone is cognitively distracting because it takes a motorist’s attention away from the task of driving.

How does Florida law treat cellphone use behind the wheel?

Under Florida law, police can pull over a motorist and ticket a motorist who is using a cellphone while driving. Cellphone use behind the wheel involves manually entering more than one letter or number in a cellphone for the purposes of texting, emailing or instant messaging. Cellphones also cannot be used in a handheld manner in school zones and construction zones.

Avoid cellphone use while driving

It is important to avoid cellphone use while driving. There are some exceptions, such as using a cellphone as a GPS without manipulating it or using wireless communication without manipulation. However, texting and driving or talking on a cellphone while driving is dangerous and should be avoided in order to avoid a catastrophic motor vehicle accident.