Did you know that over 3,331 people were killed in 2011 as a result of a distracted driver? On top of that, 387,000 people were injury in 2011 in automobile accidents that were caused by distracting driving. When a recent poll was taken, 40% of all American teenagers admitted that they have been in a car where the driver was using their cell phone while driving, putting all the passengers and other vehicles at risk. Statistics show that when you are on your cell phone or some other hand-held device while driving, then you are four times more likely to get into an accident severe enough to injure you. Just by texting on the road, you are 23 times more at risk of crashing then a person who is not distracted. Studies show that by using your cell phone in the car, your concentration and attention on driving is reduced by 37%. With bleak statistics such as these, why is it that people still text and drive?In the State of Florida, Democrat Orlando senator Darren Soto recently filed a bill that created more severe consequences for distracted drivers who get into an accident that ends up killing another driver. This new bill, the SB 708, states that if you are texting and driving when you collide with another vehicle, you could be charged with vehicular homicide if the other driver's injuries result in death. The Florida government is of the belief that if you kill someone just because you chose to text while driving, then you deserve to go to jail. The debate on this issue may go even further and impose a ban of all texting and driving. The only exception in that case would be if a driver is dialing to contact emergency services.Florida Senator Nancy Detert, R-Venice, is also under the belief that all texting and driving should be banned in the state of Florida- only with minor exceptions. Her bill SB 52 explains that drivers should only be permitted to text completely hands free, by using a navigational device or system, or if they are contacting emergency services. This bill has already passed the first committee and only has two more to go through before it becomes law. So the next time that you decide to pick up the phone and answer your text messages, think about the consequences. If you crash and end up killing another driver, you could be charged with vehicular manslaughter and face serious prison time and hefty fines.If you have lost a loved one or you have personally been injured because of a distracted driver, then you have the right to pursue just compensation. Speak with a Tallahassee personal injury attorney at our firm today to schedule your free case evaluation.
