Distracted Driving

FLORIDA LAW
A person may not operate a motor vehicle while manually typing or entering multiple letters, numbers, symbols, or other characters into a wireless communications device or while sending or reading data on such a device for the purpose of nonvoice interpersonal communication, including, but not limited to, communication methods known as texting, e-mailing, and instant messaging. (FS 316.305)

Overview

Distracted driving includes anything that takes the driver’s attention away from the vital task of driving. There are three types of distraction: manual, which is taking hands off the wheel; visual, or taking eyes off the road; and cognitive, which involves taking one’s mind off driving. Discussions about distracted driving often center on cell phone use and texting but other activities such as eating, talking to passengers, reading, adjusting the radio or climate controls, dealing with children, and being fatigued or drowsy can be equally as distracting.

Distracción al manejar—Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Subgrants

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Put It Down Campaign

Driver distraction is a rapidly growing problem as the use of handheld communication devices and other technologies continue to advance. The Florida Department of Transportation is committed to eliminating crashes that are attributable to distracted driving and has developed the Put it Down campaign which focuses on helping drivers:

To understand the problem of distracted driving To recognize the risks and consequences associated with distracted driving To implement specific steps to help eliminate distracted driving within their families, schools, businesses or organizations To keep themselves, other drivers, passengers and pedestrians safe on our roadways To understand the distracted driving law in Florida

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Safe Phone Zones

The Florida Department of Transportation, in a public-private partnership with GEICO Insurance, unveiled a statewide safety campaign in June of 2015 to tackle the problem of distracted driving on Florida’s roads. As part of a national effort to encourage drivers to pull into a safe location to use their phone for calling, texting and accessing mobile apps, Florida has designated 64 Rest Areas, Welcome Centers and Turnpike Service Plazas throughout the state as Safe Phone Zones, more than any other state.

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Resources