Cell Phones and Driving

The practice of talking or texting on our cell phones while driving is a common occurrence, though a dangerous one that admittedly nearly everyone with a cell phone does today. I regret to say that I am no different from the masses when it comes to this matter.

The National Safety Council recently called for a nationwide ban on cell phone use while driving. While only a handful of states ban any type of cell phone use by drivers and a few more ban teenagers from talking on cell phones while driving, Florida does not restrict the practice (some may call it an art).

A recent study by the Harvard Center of Risk Analysis estimates using cell phones while driving contributed to 6% of crashes. We do not have specific figures for the Lakeland area. You can learn more about this matter, including a fact sheet, data resources and other relevant information from the NSC website at www.distracteddriving.nsc.org.

The study also found that a significant amount of vehicular cell phone use is business-related and some businesses are now restricting cell phone use while on the job. We currently do not restrict our employees from using cell phones while driving.

I am curious if you believe Florida should implement a statewide ban on cell phone use while driving or if employers should take the lead and restrict their employees from using cell phones while driving on the job. What are your thoughts?

- Asst Chief Bill LePere

Comments

[lakelandmom]

I think a law banning cell phone use completely would be a little harsh. I am capable of remaining focused on my driving while talking, but many are not. I think a hands-free set should be allowed, but with a catch. Maybe a law that if you get a ticket for distracted driving, being in a collision, etc. while talking on your phone, it would go on record. Then if it happened again, some steep penalties could be enforced.