What Are Florida's Distracted Driving Laws?
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, an annual event created to educate drivers about the dangers of driving while distracted. This year, the educational program is more important than ever since distracted driving accidents remain one of the leading causes of car crashes in many states, including Florida.
Fortunately, Florida has strict laws designed to help prevent distracted driving crashes.
How common are distracted driving accidents in Florida?
On average, more than 50,000 accidents in Florida are caused by distracted drivers each year. In 2023, that number was even higher—54,766 distracted driving accidents, resulting in 2,510 injuries and 299 fatalities, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
"Distracted driving is dangerous driving," FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner says. "If you're behind the wheel, put away all distractions. Do not jeopardize your safety or the safety of your passengers or others on the road."
Florida's distracted driving laws
Florida has very strict laws that prohibit many different types of distracted driving.
For instance, texting while driving is a primary offense in Florida. This means police officers can pull over a driver for using a cell phone while driving, even if the driver is not violating another traffic law. This is due to Florida's Wireless Communications While Driving law (Florida Statute 316.305), which was enacted in 2019.
Specifically, this law, which is known as the "Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law," prohibits drivers in Florida from typing, sending, or reading a text message or any other electronic communication (email, instant message, etc.) while driving.
What makes distracted driving so dangerous?
Drivers can be distracted in three different ways:
- Visual distractions (driver takes their eyes off the road)
- Manual distractions (driver takes their hands off the steering wheel)
- Cognitive distractions (driver is thinking about something besides driving)
Texting while driving involves all three forms of distracted driving, making it the most dangerous form of distracted driving. However, other forms of distracted driving (e.g., adjusting the radio, eating while driving, looking up directions, etc.) can be just as dangerous.
When a driver isn't paying attention to driving, it's as if they're driving with their eyes closed. During that time, car accidents that result in serious injuries or fatalities can happen in an instant.
Seeking legal help after a distracted driving accident
Just because a driver was distracted and caused your accident does not always mean you will get the money you rightfully deserve for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses. The other driver's insurance company will often do everything they can to pay you as little as possible, or nothing at all.
Our car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Brent C. Miller, P.A. in Central Florida know the tricks insurance companies play. That's because we have years of experience handling complex legal cases and getting meaningful results for Florida's injured.
Put our legal team to work on your case. Contact us and schedule a free consultation. We have four offices conveniently located in Central Florida, including Tavares, Inverness, Clermont, and The Villages.
