One Clear Dot

Things might be about to change in Florida.

A renewed push is on in Tallahassee to ramp up our existing driving laws in the state. And, I cannot say I am at all against the proposed changes. Even though legislators in Florida are historically reluctant to put too many restrictions on drivers here, at least one of the proposed changes looks like it has a fighting chance on passing – and that would be the laws governing cell phone use while driving.

Cell Phones
The proposed changes would outlaw cell phones for drivers under 18 and ban text messaging for all drivers. Law makers point out that younger drivers make up the highest accident rate and are generally inexperienced drivers who need to focus on the road.

I agree with this proposed change and would probably support the ban of cell phones for all drivers, even though I sometimes use mine while I am in the car. I can see how my own focus is pulled away when I take a phone call.

Seat Belts 
Currently, you cannot be ticketed for not wearing your seatbelt in Florida unless you are pulled over for another violation. Bills that are in the House and Senate right now would change the law so that you could be pulled over and cited simply for not “buckling up”.

I think this should have been the case all along.
Red Light Cameras 
We have a huge problem here with people who run red lights. In fact, I challenge you, if you live here in Florida, to look around when you are slowing down for a yellow light and take note of how often cars run through the red, often two or three making it through after the light has changed. It is not safe, if you are first in line at a red light, to just hit the gas and take off when the light turns green .l you need to pause and make sure someone is not running the light from the other direction.

On Christmas Eve day I was returning from meeting my ex to drop off my daughter and I was sitting at a red light. I was first. The light turned green for those waiting for the left-turn arrow. The first car waiting to turn paused, then proceeded, the SECOND car also turned and it was that second car that was blind-sided by a pickup truck going VERY fast through the red light. The little Miata was crushed and the driver was severely injured.

Although over two dozen states use cameras to ticket drivers who run red lights, Florida still bans from its rights-of-way on state roads. Some counties have opted to place cameras private property near intersections. Others are waiting for a change in the law.

The Bill that is currently in the Senate would not expressly allow the cameras, but it would reduce fines the counties have to pay when they do decide to use them.

There are also proposals to make it illegal to drive slowly in the passing lane; prohibit kids from riding in pickup beds; and limit the number of passengers in teens’ cars. Those issues are not likely to actually make it into law.

Posted on March 17th, 2008 by onecleardot
Filed under: Education & Learning