FL lawmakers push for new legislation against texting while driving

TALLAHASSE- Many know the dangers of texting behind the wheel but in Florida, there’s nothing stopping you from doing it if you’re following every other traffic law.

A texting while driving simulator was on full display in Florida’s Capitol on Tuesday, trying to drive home the point about the potential fatal consequences of messaging or emailing behind the wheel.

Lawmakers are renewing a push to make texting while driving a primary offense in the state. It’s only a secondary offense now, which means a cop can watch you text behind the wheel but can’t pull you over.

Patricia Viccaro lost her son when he was hit by a driver who was texting behind the wheel. She’s pleading for stiffer penalties.

“My son’s life is worth more than a $30 fine. Having this law as a secondary offense is not supporting our law enforcement to do their job. They can see someone on their phones without having any legal right to stop them,” said Viccaro.

Making texting while driving a primary offense has been led by Democrats in the past, but this year, the bill will have a Republican sponsor in both the House and Senate.

“We all do it, I’m guilty of texting and driving. I do it rarely, but I find myself doing that. It was a debate for me whether or not I wanted to take the bill on,” said Rep. Keith Perry. “It’s so important that we have to do it. If I get a ticket, if I’m guilty of it, then I’m guilty of it. I deserve and need a ticket.”

Only 1,800 citations were given out last year in Florida for texting while driving as a secondary offense. The bill has been filed in both the House and Senate but has yet to be scheduled for a hearing. Only five states, including Florida, list texting while driving as a secondary offense.