Distracted driving is a serious and growing problem across Florida. In fact, every 44 seconds, a crash happens somewhere in the state — and 1 in 7 of those crashes is caused by a distracted driver.
At Chad Barr Law, we see firsthand how lives are shattered because someone couldn’t put their phone down or stop fiddling with the radio. April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and there’s no better time to focus on staying safe behind the wheel.
If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver in Florida, our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
What Counts as Distracted Driving?
You might think, “I never drive distracted.”
But distraction isn’t just about texting or scrolling on your phone.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), distraction includes anything that takes your:
- Eyes off the road (visual)
- Hands off the wheel (manual)
- Mind off the task of driving (cognitive)
Examples include:
- Texting or calling while driving
- Eating and drinking
- Adjusting the GPS or radio
- Talking to passengers
- Daydreaming or being mentally distracted
Even if you’re a “safe driver,” these small actions could still cost you — or someone else — their life.
Florida’s Distracted Driving Laws: What You Need to Know
In Florida, texting and driving is a primary offense under the Wireless Communications While Driving Law. That means officers can pull you over solely for texting behind the wheel.
However, distracted driving violations may also fall under other laws like:
Each of these can lead to citations, points on your driver’s license, hefty fines, court fees, and worst of all — life-altering accidents.
Despite these laws, distracted driving is often underreported. But early 2024 data paints a grim picture:
Nearly 300 deaths and over 2,200 serious injuries have already been caused by distracted drivers in Florida.
Passengers Play a Role, Too
Passengers aren’t off the hook when it comes to promoting safe driving. Loud music, rowdy conversations, or constantly pointing out things outside the window can distract drivers just as badly as a buzzing phone.
If you see the driver getting distracted, speak up:
- Offer to send a text or make a call for them
- Adjust the navigation system yourself
- Help keep the environment inside the vehicle calm and focused
Creating a distraction-free zone inside the car saves lives — plain and simple.
The Importance of Moving Over: Protecting Roadside Heroes
Another reason to eliminate distractions?
Florida’s Move Over Law requires drivers to move over a lane or slow down when approaching:
- Emergency vehicles
- Roadside workers
- Disabled vehicles
If you’re texting or fumbling with your playlist, you may miss a disabled car, an officer on a traffic stop, or someone changing a tire. Every second counts, and staying alert helps protect those who protect you.
Learn more about Florida’s Move Over Law and other safe driving initiatives through the FLHSMV’s safety resources.
Small Actions Save Lives
As Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze II put it:
“Distractions can wait, but the safety of you and those around you cannot.” (FLHSMV.gov)
No call, text, or notification is worth risking a crash — or a life.
Here are a few tips from the Florida Sheriffs Association and the Florida Police Chiefs Association to stay safe:
- Set your phone to “Do Not Disturb” while driving
- Connect your phone to your car’s Bluetooth (hands-free) if absolutely necessary
- Program your GPS before you start driving
- Pull over safely if you need to attend to anything urgent
Hurt by a Distracted Driver? Chad Barr Law Can Help.
At Chad Barr Law, we know the devastating impact distracted driving can have on individuals and families.
Our experienced team will:
- Investigate your accident thoroughly
- Prove the at-fault driver’s negligence
- Handle aggressive insurance companies
- Fight to get you the maximum compensation possible
You don’t have to go through this alone.
Call Chad Barr Law today for a free consultation and let us help you move forward after a distracted driving accident.
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