Time may well be running out in more ways than one for texting drivers, if one Florida lawmaker has his way.
Rep. Ari Abraham Porth (D-Coral Springs) is joining forces with local South Florida businesses and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office to protect Florida’s streets from texting drivers with proposed House Bill 79, “Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law”.
The bill, which enjoys strong support from Florida’s law enforcement community, is aimed at prohibiting the use of texting devices while one operates a motorized vehicle and adds points to a driver’s license for those who are convicted of the offense.
The Florida business community, including leaders such as Mike J. Jackson, chief executive officer of AutoNation, are working with Rep. Porth to tackle this pervasive problem. A multi-pronged campaign focused on keeping Broward County roads safe from texting drivers is being launched.
“Distracted driving, which incorporates text messaging while driving, is an epidemic causing unnecessary property damage, injuries and deaths throughout the State of Florida,” Porth said. “I look forward to working with the Committee on idea’s that will enhance the safety of those traveling on our roadways.”
A 2007 undertaken by Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), found that texting behind the wheel is the greatest distraction to young drivers.
