Thousands of motorists and pedestrians are injured and killed following traffic accidents each year. One major cause of these fatal accidents is texting while driving. Cell phones are great inventions, and yes, they do come in handy in the event of an emergency. By the same token, they are also health hazards and extremely dangerous when they are not used for their proper intent.
For this reason, Florida and other states have passed laws that prohibit the use of cell phones and other wireless devices while driving. One particular chapter and section of the law is 316.305 "Wireless Communication Devices; Prohibition." This section of the law is often referred to as the “Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law.”
Under this section of the law, the legislature's intended purpose is to
- Improve and make safe the highways, interstates and roadways for passengers, motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists and others who use the roads.
- Prevent fatal or near fatal crashes due to texting while operating a motor vehicle.
- Reduce personal injuries, possible death, and destruction of property, and reduce inflated healthcare costs and insurance rates, due to accidents related to texting while driving.
- Authorize law enforcement officers to stop and issue citations to drivers who are stopped for text messaging while operating a motorized vehicle on the highway.
Are Cell Phones the Only Wireless Communication Devices Florida Ban?
The “Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law” covers every aspect of drivers engaging in wireless communications while operating a motor vehicle. This law applies to citizens who may need an auto accident attorney in Ocala, FL to represent them in a court of law.
However, this law does not apply to motorists who are text messaging while their vehicle is not in operation. There are many legal terms and interpretations associated with texting while driving. The “Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law” not only includes cell phones, but tablets, iPads, iPods and similar wireless devices on which texting can be performed manually. The ban is against any handheld wireless communication device that requires manually entering numbers, symbols or letters for the sole intended purpose of communicating.
Drivers who receive an emergency text should consider pulling over and parking off the highway, before answering a text.
What are Your Rights Concerning Texting While Driving?
If you are the victim of a “texting while driving” accident and you have injuries, you need to talk with a personal injury attorney. An auto accident attorney in Ocala, FL can help you pursue a legal suit against the driver and other responsible parties. When motorists “text while driving” they are not only putting their lives and their passengers lives in danger, they are putting the general public in danger as well.
Bagen Law represents auto accident victims in Ocala, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Citrus County, Palatka and Lake City. What does this mean for you? This means that an auto accident attorney in Ocala, FLcan represent you, if you were injured in an auto accident in any of these cities or counties, or if you live in any of the surrounding areas of Florida.
One of the most important steps you can take is to speak to an auto accident attorney in Ocala, FL. The aftermath of a major accident can result in you being unable to work or return to work. With the right information, you and your family can get the compensation, and medical care you need and deserve.
