Distracted Driving Crashes on Florida Roadways Continue to Climb

News provided by

Carlson Meissner

Jul 19, 2018, 03:00 ET


CLEARWATER, Fla. (PRWEB) July 19, 2018 -- Car accidents are on the rise in Florida, with more than 400,000 reported crashes in 2017, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). The DHSMV also reports that of those crashes, almost 50,000 were the result of distracted driving.

“The proliferation of cell phone use in this country has led to an increase in distracted driving,” said Sarah Raaymakers, personal injury attorney of Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett P.A in Clearwater, Florida. “Texting while driving is illegal in Florida, but it is enforced as a secondary offense. Law enforcement must see the driver committing another offense, such as speeding or running a red light, before the motorist can be cited for texting while driving.”

The Florida legislature considered a bill – HB 33 – that would classify texting while driving as a primary offense and allow law enforcement officers to pull drivers over for doing so. The proposed bill, which would allow drivers to make phone calls on electronic devices and use them for obtaining directions, passed through the House but died in the Senate Appropriations Committee in March of this year.

“Right now, 43 states consider texting while driving a primary offense,” continued Attorney Raaymakers. “Florida lawmakers have tried repeatedly to pass a texting-while-driving ban but the legislation continues to fail. So texting while driving is still a secondary offense in Florida, bringing a fine of $30 for the first offense and $60 for a second offense, plus court costs.”

To learn more about Florida’s texting while driving laws and your rights, or if you have been involved in a car accident with a distracted driver, contact leading personal injury attorneys at Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett P.A. Located in Clearwater, Florida, the law office of Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett P.A. has been serving the Tampa Bay area community for more than 47 years. Innovative strategies and sharp litigation skills make them Tampa Bay’s premier legal team, with a proven track record of success and a reputation for excellence. For more information about Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett P.A., visit the firm website at http://www.CarlsonMeissner.com or contact the office directly at 877-728-9653.

Mary Ann Bounacos, Carlson Meissner, http://www.CarlsonMeissner.com, +1 877-728-9653, [email protected]