AGENDA ITEM REPORT
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A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING A BILL IN THE 2018 FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO MAKE TEXTING WHILE DRIVING A PRIMARY OFFENSE UNDER FLORIDA LAW.
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BACKGROUND:
Distracted driving, including the use of cell phones, is a major contributor to automobile accidents. In 2015, there were 476 fatalities and an estimated 30,000 injuries related to texting while driving in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Florida is only one of four states that considers texting while driving a secondary offense. This means that enforcement of texting while driving by state or local law enforcement agencies can only be accomplished as a secondary action when an operator of a motor vehicle has been detained for suspected violation of another provision of Chapter 316, Chapter 320, or Chapter 322, Florida Statutes. Further, texting while driving only carries a thirty dollar fine as a traffic infraction.
DISCUSSION:
The City’s 2017 State Agenda “supports strengthening the legislation prohibiting text messaging while driving from a secondary offense to a primary offense, or otherwise restricting the use of non-handsfree wireless communications devices while operating a motor vehicle.” By adoption of this Resolution, the City Commission urges the 2018 Florida Legislature to enact a bill that substantially amends Section 316.305, Florida Statutes, to make texting while driving enforceable as a primary offense.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this Resolution.
FISCAL IMPACT: N/A