Drivers Distracted by Cell Phones Not Yet Addressed by Florida Legislature

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on November 4, 2009

Recently, there has been plenty of media coverage and evidence to indicate that driving while texting or talking on a cell phone significantly reduces a driver’s ability to focus on driving their vehicle. All these telecommunications devices are wonderful, but multiple studies have shown that talking or texting while driving is far more dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol. In Florida, a very disturbing and increasingly common cause of car accidents is drivers distracted by talking or texting on their cell phone. Stop at any stoplight and at least half of the drivers around you will be talking on their phones. Florida has not banned the use of cell phones while driving. Florida Senate Bill 172, or “Heather’s Law”, which would have restricted the use of cell phones while driving-died in committee in May 2009. The existing law simply states that drivers must keep their vehicles under control. However, given the rising number of accidents from distracted drivers from minor fender benders to horrible head-on collisions, it is in everyone’s best interests that Florida’s lawmakers pass legislation with some teeth in it to discourage cell phone use while driving.

However, new laws banning the use of cell phones while driving will not necessarily make Florida streets and highways safer. It’s illegal to drink and drive but Florida is third in the nation in drunk-driving accidents, injuries and deaths. Law or no law, it is the responsibility of each driver to make rational decisions about this and put the safety of other people on the road over their need to communicate while driving. Ultimately, talking or texting while driving is negligent and reckless behavior that puts others at risk. Perhaps the most egregious aspect of accidents caused by distracted drivers is that these accidents are completely avoidable. If a call is important, do the right thing for yourself and everyone else on the road by pulling over to the side of the road or momentarily stopping in a parking lot. If it is not, let the call go to voicemail and return it when you arrive at your destination.

If you or someone you care for has been injured or killed in a cell phone car accident, Orlando cell phone car accident attorney James O. Cunningham may be able to help. He can help you obtain the compensation you and your family deserves to help offset the expenses of recovery and hold negligent distracted drivers accountable for their actions. Call attorney James O. Cunningham for your free consultation.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.