Texting Ban Passes: Will it Make Dunedin Roads Safer?

The Florida Senate recently approved a measure that would make it against the law to text while driving. Do you think it will improve the safety of local roads?

They say the third time’s the charm, but for Florida’s texting ban five seems to be the magic number. A bill that makes it illegal to text while driving finally made it through the Senate and into Gov. Rick Scott’s hands earlier this week. Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, has tried for five legislative sessions to get the measure approved, according to TBO.com. If Scott signs the bill, it will become illegal to text behind the wheel. The bill, however, doesn’t apply to texting while stopped at red lights or for those who are parked on roadsides. The fine for texting behind the wheel will be considered a secondary one and only carries a price tag $30, according to TBO. So, what do you think, Dunedin? Do you like the new law? Does it go far …

•  3 Comments
• Photos (1)

Terrence

9:50 pm on Sunday, May 5, 2013

no it will be a legal nightmare and will give police the right to take your celphone from you as evidence and it cannot be proved in court because one could just say the phone was ringing or they were using it for navigation. Only attorneys will benefit and you will lost just one more right. I can't stand it when someone texts and drives but at some point you have to stop giving up your rights …   more ›

What's Tampa Bay Saying?

Should Texting While Driving Be Banned in Florida?

Are you in favor of such a law? Do you think it goes too far, or not far enough?

Florida could soon join 39 other states that have banned texting while driving. A bill filed last week by state Rep. Doug Holder, R-Sarasota, would make texting while driving a secondary offense under which a driver can receive a citation, but only after he or she is pulled over for a primary offense such as speeding or reckless driving, TBO.com reports. The bill doesn't prohibit all use of handheld devices while driving, as some state laws do, and cell phone calls would still be permitted. "If you are texting while driving, you are 23 times more likely to have an accident," Holder told TBO. "I think the timing is right. I think we are going to get something passed." Are you in favor of such a law in Florida? Do you think it goes too far, …

•  110 Comments
• Photos (1)