It may be time to consider tougher penalties for people who are caught texting and driving, even if it’s their first time. People need to get the message.
West Palm Beach, FL (PRWEB) September 23, 2014
Commenting on a WINK News article that suggests Florida’s 2013 ban on texting and driving did little to stop drivers from sending and reading text messages behind the wheel, West Palm Beach distracted driving accident attorney David J. Glatthorn said Florida lawmakers might want to consider stiffening penalties for first-time and repeat offenders.
Glatthorn, a West Palm Beach attorney with 30 years’ experience, based his comments on an August 14 report about the effectiveness of Florida’s texting ban in preventing drivers from texting. The article, “Texting in FL: how drivers are being caught, cited,” suggested that drivers have done little to change dangerous driving habits since the ban took effect.
“The dangers of texting and driving are well-documented. But despite the state’s ban on texting and driving, some Florida drivers still choose to ignore the risks associated with this dangerous practice,” Glatthorn said. “It may be time to consider tougher penalties for people who are caught texting and driving, even if it’s their first time. People need to get the message.”
According to WINK News, 174 Florida drivers were ticketed for texting in October 2013, a number that jumped to 181 in May 2014. Texting and driving is a secondary offense in Florida, according to the article. That means police officers have to spot a driver breaking another law before stopping someone for a cell phone violation.
In addition, the WINK News report analyzed reports and citations from Florida law enforcement officers to conclude that texting drivers are more likely to engage in other dangerous behaviors behind the wheel. The WINK News article found drivers who were issued citations for speeding, tailgating, or failing to yield or maintain their lanes also received texting citations.
“It might seem like common sense: You should keep your eyes on the road and not on your portable devices,” Glatthorn said. “But many people are distracted and cause serious accidents with serious consequences. If you were in an accident caused by a distracted driver, it’s important to seek the advice of legal counsel. An attorney can hold the negligent individual accountable and send a message that dangerous behavior will not be tolerated.”
About Attorney David Glatthorn Law
David Glatthorn is the sole practitioner at his West Palm Beach law firm. He handles cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, slip and fall accidents, negligent security, wrongful death, and other personal types of personal injury cases. David Glatthorn graduated with a B.A. in Political Science from the University of South Florida in 1977 and a J.D. with honors from Florida State University School of Law in 1980. He has proudly served victims of personal injuries since 1980.
Attorney Glatthorn is also a member of the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum, reserved for the 1% of lawyers nationwide who have received a verdict or settlement worth $1 million or more. In addition, David Glatthorn is a Board Certified Trial Lawyer, a distinction achieved by only 4% of Florida attorneys.
For a free case consultation, call (800) 990-9394. To find out more about David Glatthorn, visit http://www.davidglatthornlaw.com
David Glatthorn Law is located at 506 Datura St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.