Here’s a possible ban for you to talk about (except on the phone while driving, of course): the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) officially released a statement on Tuesday, December 14 that “texting, emailing, or chatting on the phone while driving is simply too dangerous and should not be permitted anywhere in the United States.”
This position was released after some recent deadly crashes related to phone use while driving, one in particular occurred in Missouri after a teenager sent or received 11 text messages in 11 minutes while behind the wheel. It is these kinds of accidents that prove texting and driving is a life threatening risk for you and those around you.
The NTSB is urging all states to adopt a total ban on the use of cell phones while driving except for in emergencies, which would include even the use of hands-free devices.
Currently the state of Florida has no laws restricting the use of cell phones while driving, but the dangers and consequences exist here as they do anywhere else. Furthermore, just because there’s no law does not mean that a traffic ticket can’t be issued for breaking road rules or causing an accident as a result of distracted driving. If you have been in an accident with someone who was distracted while driving then you should contact someone like the Law Offices of Gary Bruce – Car Accident Attorneys in Columbus, Georgia to see if you could make a compensation claim.
The Florida Highway Patrol has these official tips if you must use your cell phone while driving:
- Get to know your phone and its features.
- Use a hands-free device if possible.
- Make sure your phone is in easy reach.
- Reserve phone usage for emergencies or important calls.
For your own safety and the safety of others, please make a resolution to drive with care this year and never text while behind the wheel.
Happy New Year from all of us here at Central Florida Health News magazine!