Distracted Driving Accidents In Florida
We lead busy lives and this often means we have to multitask. We may multitask at home, talking on the phone while cooking or cleaning the house. Many of us multitask at the office, working on multiple documents or dealing with several customers at once. However, you should never multitask while driving.
Many people perform other tasks while driving, such as texting, making phone calls, and searching the internet. These actions are not only dangerous but also against the law in Florida.
On July 1, 2019, The Wireless Communications While Driving Law went into effect. Under Florida Statutes Section 316.305, the use of wireless devices is prohibited while driving. A person may not drive while manually entering characters into a wireless device, as well as read or send data from such a device. This means that emailing, texting, and instant messaging while driving is not allowed.
There are several exceptions to this law. They include:
- Performing official duties as a law enforcement official or emergency medical services professional.
- Reporting a crime or emergency to police.
- Receiving emergency, weather, or traffic alerts or messages related to the safety of the vehicle.
- Using a device for navigation.
- Communicating without having to enter characters or read text.
- Operating an autonomous vehicle.
The first offense is a non-moving traffic violation with the penalty a $30 fine. A second offense within five years is a moving violation. The fine increases to $60 fine and the person will have 3 points on their driver license.
Other Types of Distracted Driving
Texting is one of the biggest distractions while driving, as it incorporates visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. However, it is not the only distraction. Other distractions involve things you probably do every day, like eat, drink, apply makeup, change the radio station, and check your navigation.
You may be distracted by other things, such as children or pets in the vehicle. You may divert your attention to something outside the vehicle, such as a car accident, person, event, or place of interest. Even daydreaming can be a distraction, since your mind is not fully focused on the task of driving.
These tasks are so dangerous while driving because they keep the driver from avoiding an accident. A driver must see a hazard, react, and stop their vehicle in time to avoid an accident. Even if you are fully focused on the road, if you are going 50 miles per hour, you will travel approximately the length of a football field before fully stopping. If you’re distracted, you may not stop at all, causing a serious accident.
Contact a Bradenton Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Many motorists are driving while distracted, which can lead to serious and even fatal accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driving accident, make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
The Bradenton personal injury lawyer at The Cahall Law Firm can help hold the responsible party liable for your accident. Fill out the online form or call (941) 281-2019 to schedule a free consultation.
Resource:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.305.html
