A Father Is Fighting to Make Florida a Hands-Free Driving State

A man and woman inside a car, both looking at their phones. The man, who is driving, is distracted while holding his phone in one hand and steering with the other.

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of serious and fatal car accidents in the United States because it takes a driver’s attention away from the road. Even a few seconds of inattention can result in a serious or fatal car accident.

When a driver is distracted, reaction times slow down, making it harder to respond to sudden changes like a car stopping ahead, a pedestrian crossing the street, or debris on the road.

A father fights to end distracted driving

In 2019, a group of advocates helped change Florida law to make texting while driving a primary offense. It was a victory, but for Demetrius Branca, it wasn’t enough. Branca lost his son, Anthony, to a distracted driver.

The pain of that loss drives him forward every day. Instead of letting grief consume him, he pours his energy into fighting for change. His mission is clear: prevent other families from suffering the same heartbreak.

Over the next month, Branca will visit 11 county council meetings, urging local officials to support a hands-free law. He tells Anthony’s story in the hopes that it will push lawmakers to act.

Branca’s fight began in 2017 when he first traveled to Tallahassee, calling for stricter distracted driving laws.

His son was killed when a distracted driver rear-ended his motorcycle with a van. With the help of News 6 and other supporters, he helped pass the 2019 law, but he never saw it as the final step.

Why does Florida’s current law fall short?

The 2019 law made texting while driving a primary offense, meaning officers could pull over drivers caught in the act. But enforcing it has proven difficult.

Many officers say it’s hard to prove a driver was texting, and some have called the law toothless. A Central Florida sheriff went so far as to say the law was “as useless as mammaries on a boar hog.”

However, those enforcement gaps are a deadly problem in Florida. Branca has been traveling across Florida, pushing county commissions to pass resolutions in favor of a hands-free law. If local governments take a stand, he hopes state lawmakers will feel pressure to act.

Can local communities force lawmakers to act?

Branca knows local resolutions can’t change state law, but he believes they can send a loud message to lawmakers in Tallahassee. He wants officials to see that communities across Florida demand action.

“This is a plague killing people all over the country, and politicians aren’t doing anything about it,” he said.

Unlike big lobbying groups with deep pockets, Branca relies on grassroots efforts and public support. He speaks at meetings, rallies support, and refuses to give up—because, for him, this fight is personal.

Every moment he spends pushing for change is a moment spent honoring Anthony’s memory. And he won’t stop until Florida finally becomes a hands-free state.

Why is distracted driving so dangerous?

The danger of distracted driving comes from the fact that it affects multiple aspects of a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. It reduces focus, impairs decision-making, and increases the likelihood of swerving, missing traffic signals, or failing to maintain a safe following distance.

Studies show that drivers who take their eyes off the road for just 5 seconds while traveling at highway speeds can cover the length of a football field without seeing what’s in front of them.

There are three main types of distracted driving:

Visual distractions: These occur when a driver takes their eyes off the road. Common examples include looking at a phone, reading a text message, adjusting a GPS, or looking at something outside the car.
Manual distractions: These involve taking one or both hands off the wheel. Eating, drinking, adjusting the radio, or reaching for something in the car are all manual distractions that can cause a loss of control.
Cognitive distractions: These happen when a driver’s mind is not focused on driving. Daydreaming, talking on the phone, or being lost in thought can prevent drivers from recognizing hazards and reacting in time.

Get the help you need after a distracted driving accident

A distracted driver’s careless mistake shouldn’t leave you overwhelmed with medical bills, lost income, and an uncertain future. If you or a loved one was injured because someone wasn’t paying attention behind the wheel, you deserve justice.

The Law Offices of Brent C. Miller, P.A. is here to listen, support, and fight for you.

You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else's negligence. Our Central Florida lawyers know how to prove distracted driving, whether it’s through cellphone records, traffic footage, or witness testimony.

Our goal is simple: to get you the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Don’t wait. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let our dedicated legal team get started on your claim.

"I was grateful for the Law Offices of Brent C. Miller and the way my case was handled... They were very professional and courteous to me." - C.H., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐